Erik Ten Hag has revealed the reason why he substituted Kobbie Mainoo for Scott Mctominay at halftime during Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest.
Ten Hag has come under intense scrutiny following the defeat, with many pointing toward the substitution as the turning point in the game.
Erik Ten Hag watched his lads suffer another defeat in December; 5 losses, 2 wins, and 1 draw, with the patience of Manchester United fans growing thin.
Ten Hag indicated that his decision to withdraw Mainoo at halftime was tactical and he has absolutely no regrets about it.
Erik Ten Hag expressed that Kobbie Mainoo's energy levels had dropped in the game in comparison to previous matches, and that was his reason for substituting the youngster.
Ten Hag said: “No, but he played a third game in a row this week and that’s tough, where he’s coming from.
“I thought the energy was a little bit lower than the other two games this week, therefore we brought some new energy in. I don’t regret it”
Scott Mctominay, who came on in place of the 18-year-old had a poor game, as he looked lost being played in a position that didn't suit him.
Manchester United were ultimately punished in the second 45, with Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White driving a dagger through the hearts of Old Trafford faithful.
Marcus Rashford scored in the 78th minute to initially equalize Dominguez's goal, however, Nuno Espirito Santo's side were spirited on the day and they secured a historic victory over the Red Devils.
Mainoo has put in an outstanding showing since earning a promotion to the first team, controlling play in the middle of the park, and shielding the ball when in danger.
Kobbie Mainoo has made 11 appearances for Manchester United, scoring no goal and providing no assist in all competitions.
The 18-year-old was handed his first team debut by manager Erik Ten Hag on January 28, 2023, featuring in a 3-1 win for the Red Devils over Reading FC.
On February 19, 2023, Mainoo made his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute for Marcel Sabitzer in the 80th minute.
The England-born midfielder has been lauded by many across the globe, and he has also been tipped to achieve giant strides in his career.
Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 7th on the Premier League table, with 31 points from 20 league matches.
The Red Devils, who lost their 29-year run of not losing to Nottingham Forest, return to action on Monday, January 8, 2023, facing Wigan Athletic.
Subsequently, Manchester United trade tackles with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in their upcoming league fixture on January 14, 2014.
Erik Ten Hag will have to act timely to change the fortunes of the club, and possibly secure a UEFA Champions League spot at the end of the season.
Ten Hag has come under intense scrutiny following the defeat, with many pointing toward the substitution as the turning point in the game.
Erik Ten Hag watched his lads suffer another defeat in December; 5 losses, 2 wins, and 1 draw, with the patience of Manchester United fans growing thin.
Ten Hag indicated that his decision to withdraw Mainoo at halftime was tactical and he has absolutely no regrets about it.
Erik Ten Hag expressed that Kobbie Mainoo's energy levels had dropped in the game in comparison to previous matches, and that was his reason for substituting the youngster.
Ten Hag said: “No, but he played a third game in a row this week and that’s tough, where he’s coming from.
“I thought the energy was a little bit lower than the other two games this week, therefore we brought some new energy in. I don’t regret it”
Scott Mctominay, who came on in place of the 18-year-old had a poor game, as he looked lost being played in a position that didn't suit him.
Manchester United were ultimately punished in the second 45, with Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White driving a dagger through the hearts of Old Trafford faithful.
Marcus Rashford scored in the 78th minute to initially equalize Dominguez's goal, however, Nuno Espirito Santo's side were spirited on the day and they secured a historic victory over the Red Devils.
Mainoo has put in an outstanding showing since earning a promotion to the first team, controlling play in the middle of the park, and shielding the ball when in danger.
Kobbie Mainoo has made 11 appearances for Manchester United, scoring no goal and providing no assist in all competitions.
The 18-year-old was handed his first team debut by manager Erik Ten Hag on January 28, 2023, featuring in a 3-1 win for the Red Devils over Reading FC.
On February 19, 2023, Mainoo made his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute for Marcel Sabitzer in the 80th minute.
The England-born midfielder has been lauded by many across the globe, and he has also been tipped to achieve giant strides in his career.
Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 7th on the Premier League table, with 31 points from 20 league matches.
The Red Devils, who lost their 29-year run of not losing to Nottingham Forest, return to action on Monday, January 8, 2023, facing Wigan Athletic.
Subsequently, Manchester United trade tackles with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in their upcoming league fixture on January 14, 2014.
Erik Ten Hag will have to act timely to change the fortunes of the club, and possibly secure a UEFA Champions League spot at the end of the season.