Over 10,000 hours before l even saw an auto throttle, it took a while to accept it's capabilities on the type l am on now, the 777.
Monitoring is our job description under SOP's, and it's when all turns pear-shaped that manual reversion is required. But the issue is understanding what you are monitoring before manual reversion is needed.
The FMA would have told the whole story. No THR REF means no AT. Back to basics, set power manually, 50% engines stable, set take-off thrust.
Raising a hand to manipulate anything on the MCP during the take-off is not only not necessary, but dangerous. Don't do it.
Lagos is not my favorite destination, and l am glad no one got hurt.
halas