MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed Erik ten Hag for his substitutions in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla.
The Red Devils squandered a two-goal lead in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night as the Spanish visitors struck late to level things up heading into the return fixture in seven days time.
Man Utd conceded a stoppage-time equaliser after being reduced to 10 men when Lisandro Martinez was carried off with an injury.
Ten Hag had used up all five of his changes at the time.
Raphael Varane was forced off after 45 minutes for Harry Maguire, before a triple change in the 62nd minute saw Christian Eriksen, Wout Weghorst and Anthony Elanga replace Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho.
Then with nine minutes remaining Antony made way for Facundo Pellistri.
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And the Man Utd faithful were left frustrated by Ten Hag’s changes after Tyrell Malacia and Maguire netted late own goals to surrender the Red Devils’ advantage.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “Love the guy but Ten Hag’s subs were absolutely stupid.”
Another replied: “Erik Ten Hag just take the blame for this. Zero impact from the subs.”
A third added: “This was a self-inflicted implosion from #MUFC. Madness Ten Hag took off his best players and then made all 5 subs to ensure they were vulnerable and played end of game with 10 men.”
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A fourth responded: “Ten Hag’s tactics and substitutions are infuriating as soon as he gets a lead.”
And another said: “That one stupid pass from Weghorst shattered the whole timeline for Man Utd tonight. Butterfly effect thanks to ten hag and his tactics 🥴.”
Amid the criticism from fans, Ten Hag defended his substitutions after the game.
He said: “I had to make them. There was no other way. Rapha was injured, that was the first I had to make. And then Anthony Martial, first start after a long period, so we had to make him on the 60.
“Then Bruno: I got the warning from the refs, he was short before a second booking and the same for Antony dos Santos. So I had to make the subs, I had no other choice.
“But still we controlled the game. Still we had to score the third goal. It was a good action from Pelle [Pellistri] and Ty [Malacia] has a big chance for 3-0 in 81st minute.
“And then the last 10 minute of the game everything was against us. We have to be smarter, we switch off for the first goal, then we get the injury of Licha [Martinez], another bad luck.
“Both goals against, both deflected, what can you do? Sometimes you have bad days and bad luck. Tonight was not our night.”
But Man Utd legend Paul Scholes agreed with the supporters that Ten Hag had got things wrong.
He told BT Sport: “Great result for Sevilla. Man Utd were very quiet in second half, they didn’t create any chances.
“Those subs weakened the team… you half-understand Anthony Martial, being fragile.
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“But second half, United were really sloppy. If away goals were still around, United would face an uphill battle.
“You saw enough to see Sevilla aren’t great, but it’s gonna be difficult.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
