Erik Ten Hag has called for patience from Manchester United fans and TV pundits who played for the club after his changes were vehemently booed during a disappointing draw at home to Burnley.
The Red Devils went ahead in the encounter in the 79th minute, courtesy of an excellent strike from Antony.
However, the lead didn’t last the test of time, as Andre Onana clattered over an opponent in the box, and a penalty was handed to the Clarets.
Zeki Amdouni stepped up for Vincent Kompany’s side and he tucked home his penalty with ease, beating Onana in goal for Manchester United.
Ten Hag had to defend himself as Old Trafford showed disdain for his substitution, replacing Kobbie Mainoo in the 65th minute for Scott McTominay, while Amad Diallo entered the fray for Rasmus Hojlund.
The encounter was still goalless when he made these substitutions, and fans were worrying about the need for such changes.
Erik Ten Hag on his decision to substitute Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund
Speaking after the clash, Erik Ten Hag boastfully claimed that he is the manager of Manchester United, and as such the responsibility lies on his shoulders to decide what the team needs.
He said: “I am the manager and have to decide what the team needs.
“It was the right decision and totally logical to bring off very young players who are in their first year of the Premier League and feel some fatigue.”
The Dutchman stressed the reason for substituting the pair, pointing towards injuries and the need to protect them.
Erik Ten Hag added: “They have both had injuries this season and I want to protect them.
“Fans need patience. I understand they want to see the skills of these players but the league gets more intense year by year and the youngsters need to adjust. That takes time.”
Ten Hag’s dig at Manchester United legends
The former Ajax boss then aimed at Manchester United legends like Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes, who currently work as TV pundits and have lambasted the team for not meeting the standards required.
Ten Hag said: “People forget that the Man United team of 2004-05, they also didn’t play that great football (while Ferguson was building a new team around Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo).
“They were building and it took time but everyone forgets, even the players who were in the team.”
Erik Ten Hag subsequently touched on the squad collectively, defending their style of football during an interview with BBC Sport.
The ex-assistant to Pep Guardiola said: “We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment.
“We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. Yes, we concede also. We have to learn from it because it was unnecessary to lose control”.
Midfielder Mainoo, who was substituted for McTominay has become a fan favorite at Manchester United, due to the brilliance he has accentuated this term.
Kobbie Mainoo has become one of the first names on the team sheet of the Red Devils, and he plays more maturely than his peers, with teammate at the club and international level Harry Maguire also alluding to that notion.
Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United
Erik Ten Hag has faced massive criticisms this term, following his inability to get Manchester United to get the right results fans of the club desire.
The Red Devils will not be competing in the UEFA Champions League next season, after Aston Villa played a 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
This indicates that their best chance of playing in Europe next season lies with the UEFA Europa League.
Manchester United sit 6th on the Premier League table, with 54 points from 34 matches, and they also head into the FA Cup final in the dying embers of May as massive underdogs to Pep Guardiola’s City.
This has resulted in the future of manager Ten Hag hanging in the balance, with names like Thomas Tuchel and England boss Gareth Southgate linked with the managerial job at Old Trafford.
