Live from Old Trafford: “He was the only United player we feared!” Twente FC coach praises Man United star and criticizes Ten Hag for his costly substitution in Europa League clash.

A Europa League match between Manchester United and Twente FC at Old Trafford concluded with a 1-1 draw, but the outcome has ignited significant discussion due to comments made by Twente’s head coach. He praised United’s young talent, Amad Diallo, while sharply criticizing Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag for substituting Diallo in the 72nd minute—a decision the Twente coach believes was crucial in costing United the victory.

Diallo stood out as Manchester United’s top performer, delivering a lively performance that kept Twente’s defense on high alert. The young winger, gradually earning his place in the first team, showcased his speed, technical ability, and relentless pressing, consistently troubling the opposing defenders. He came close to scoring several times, creating a sense of anxiety among Twente’s backline. His capacity to break through defenses and generate chances kept Twente under significant pressure for much of the match.

However, Ten Hag’s choice to replace Diallo with under 20 minutes remaining surprised many. Twente’s coach expressed relief at Diallo’s exit, labeling the substitution a mistake that shifted momentum in favor of Twente. Shortly after Diallo left the field, Twente equalized in the 75th minute, after which they dominated the game. The coach contended that while Diallo was on the pitch, United posed a serious threat, but his substitution allowed Twente to find space and initiate their comeback.

The Twente coach was blunt in his post-match comments, suggesting that Ten Hag’s decision demonstrated a lack of experience. He asserted that Diallo was the one player capable of breaking down Twente’s defense, and taking him off relieved pressure on his team, enabling them to regroup and seize control. He believed that had Diallo remained, Twente might not have managed to equalize.

The decision to substitute Diallo has faced widespread backlash from fans and analysts alike. Many were perplexed by Ten Hag’s choice to remove a player who had been United’s most threatening attacker. Social media was abuzz with critiques of Ten Hag’s judgment, with some commentators labeling Diallo as “untouchable” that night.
Despite the controversy, Diallo’s performance was a highlight for Manchester United, showcasing his potential as a key player moving forward. His display against Twente has bolstered his case for a larger role in future matches, particularly in a season where United has struggled with consistency. As focus turns to Ten Hag’s response to the backlash, the debate regarding his decision-making in critical situations is likely to continue, even as Manchester United remains well-positioned to progress from their group.
Amad Diallo’s performance in that match is likely to strengthen his case for more consistent first-team involvement. His ability to create chances and disrupt opposing defenses, as shown against Twente, highlights his growing potential. Erik ten Hag may need to consider this going forward, especially in light of the criticism surrounding his substitution decision.