MANCHESTER UNITED fans have criticised Erik ten Hag’s decision making in the wake of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with FC Twente.
The Red Devils took just a point from the Europa League group stage clash following a second-half equaliser from Sam Lammers.
They failed to make the most of their momentum following Christian Eriksen’s 35th-minute strike and subsequently paid the price.
And fans believe it was largely down to Ten Hag’s substitutions.
The Dutchman made his first change after 67 minutes, replacing Alejandro Garnacho with Amad Diallo.
But it was his triple substitution 12 minutes later that raised some eyebrows.
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Joshua Zirkzee, who looked dangerous throughout the clash, was replaced by Mason Mount.
Eriksen made way for Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, who was enjoying one of his best games of the season so far, was hauled off for Rasmus Hojlund.
Fans were left baffled by Ten Hag’s decisions, with one person taking to social media to write: “Ten Hag takes too long to make subs and it’s costing us games.”
Another commented: “Ten Hag and his poorly-timed subs. Should have subbed Eriksen at the 60th minute. Today we paid dearly.”
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A third said: “Second half was terrible, defending for their equaliser was awful, poor subs and game management from Ten Hag. Fernandes is having a shocker.”
A fourth wrote: “Don’t think I have ever seen a manager get subs wrong as much as Ten Hag.”
While a fifth added: “Rashford, Eriksen, Zirkzee – three of the best players on pitch getting subbed OFF? I get Eriksen made mistake and out of possession left side was losing control but MAN.. I love Bruno but he is having a stinker. Bruno and Eriksen OFF – Mount, Hojlund on for me.”
Twente boss Joseph Oosting revealed his plans to hurt Man Utd before the match even kicked off.
He said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.
“That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.
“We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.
“Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.
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“You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.
“We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”
Man Utd player ratings vs FC Twente
MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.
That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.
See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana – 6
Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.
Harry Maguire – 6
Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.
Amad Diallo – 6
His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.
Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
