“Immediately Erik Ten Hag changed him, we started losing possession. We could have won Crystal Palace today if wasn’t subbed off.”-United fans think ‘game completely changed’ after one Erik ten Hag decision in Crystal Palace draw.
Manchester United Fans Frustrated by Erik ten Hag’s Substitutions in Stalemate Against Crystal Palace
Manchester United fans were left frustrated after Erik ten Hag’s key substitutions during their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. Despite controlling much of the match at Selhurst Park on Saturday, the Red Devils were unable to find a breakthrough, with many supporters criticizing the tactical changes made in the second half.
United had a strong grip on possession and created several chances, but couldn’t get past Palace’s solid defensive setup. While United searched for a goal, Crystal Palace also had opportunities to win, with Eberechi Eze coming close on two occasions. However, Manchester United’s defense and goalkeeper managed to keep the game level.
In a bid to shake things up, Ten Hag introduced Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte, and Rasmus Højlund, replacing Joshua Zirkzee, Christian Eriksen, and Amad Diallo. These changes sparked discontent among United supporters, many of whom took to social media to express their frustration.
The decision to substitute Zirkzee, in particular, drew significant criticism. One fan commented, “We lost our attacking link the moment Zirkzee came off.” Other fans echoed this sentiment, arguing that Zirkzee’s presence was vital for maintaining United’s offensive flow. Another fan criticized the removal of both Zirkzee and Amad Diallo, stating, “Wrong subs… even Amad was creating chances.”
The discontent grew as fans pointed out how the game shifted after Zirkzee’s departure, with one commenting, “The match changed as soon as Zirkzee left the pitch.” Another supporter added, “Substituting Zirkzee and Amad killed our attack.” Many fans felt that Zirkzee’s ability to hold up play and link the midfield with the attack was crucial, especially in a game where Palace’s deep defensive line needed to be broken down with precision.
Criticism didn’t just come from fans; pundits weighed in as well. Former midfielder Jamie Redknapp remarked on Sky Sports, “With that level of dominance, United needed to capitalize. The substitutions didn’t do enough, and they’ll be disappointed.”
As the match concluded, Manchester United found themselves sitting in a disappointing 11th place in the Premier League table, having earned just seven points from their opening five matches. The failure to secure a win, combined with the criticism of Ten Hag’s substitution decisions, raised concerns about the club’s form and tactical approach.
With a challenging period ahead, Manchester United must quickly regain their footing in the league. The result against Crystal Palace has sparked a broader conversation about Erik ten Hag’s decisions, leaving both fans and pundits questioning his ability to steer the club back to the top. The pressure is on, and the Red Devils will need to deliver the results that their supporters are demanding.
