Fuming Man Utd fans say ‘time to go’ as Erik ten Hag reveals why he subbed Kobbie Mainoo against Nottingham Forest

ERIK TEN HAG has revealed the reason behind the substitution of Kobbie Mainoo against Nottingham Forest.

Mainoo, who has been a revelation since stepping into the Manchester United first team following his return from injury, was taken off at half time against Forest.

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Erik ten Hag revealed why he subbed of Kobbie Mainoo[/caption]

The score was 0-0 when Mainoo was taken off

The score was 0-0 with the 18-year-old on the pitch with neither team able to create a significant breakthrough.

However, Ten Hag opted to sub the youngster off and replaced him with Scott McTominay.

Man Utd’s defence then fell apart as two passes dropped to the edge of the area – the position a defensive midfielder should be occupying to cut out danger – resulted in goals for the home side.

After the game Ten Hag confirmed Mainoo’s substitution was due to tactical reasons and that he had “no regrets” over the move.

He doubled down on the sub by trying to justify McTominay’s introduction.

The Dutchman explained: “Scott [McTominay] brought energy, I think the second half was much better on our side.

“The first goal, when you analyse it well, has nothing to do with the midfield.

“The second goal came from poor communication.”

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Ten Hag said Scott McTominay added ‘energy’ when he came on

Furious fans were unhappy at the explanation.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “This man is just so lost.”

A second said: “Okay. Time to go then We’ve had enough.

“How can you call that tactical while bringing in McTominay that offers absolutely nothing.”

A third said: “Sack him on the spot.”

Another said: “This guy has lost it.”

A fifth added: “Tactical to show Fergi & Sir Dave how bad McTominay is..”

The 2-1 defeat, was overseen by legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson and incoming director Sir Dave Brailsford.

Red Devils fans were also fuming at Anthony Elanga after he pointed to the Nottingham Forest badge when he was subbed off late on.

Man Utd’s horror year was compounded by stats revealing that the 21 defeats they have suffered in all competitions in 2023 is their worst since 1972, when they lost 25.

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