Man United fans think ‘game completely changed’ after one Erik ten Hag decision in Crystal Palace draw
Manchester United fans believe a key decision by manager Erik ten Hag altered the course of their match against Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils missed the chance to secure back-to-back Premier League wins, settling for a 0-0 draw with a determined Palace side at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, United failed to find the back of the net.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner’s team also had opportunities to snatch the win, with Eberechi Eze squandering two golden chances.
In the second half, Ten Hag made substitutions in an effort to change the game, bringing on Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte, and Rasmus Højlund for Joshua Zirkzee, Christian Eriksen, and Amad Diallo.
However, the decision to take off Dutchman Zirkzee did not sit well with United fans.
One fan reacted on social media: “Shouldn’t have taken off Zirkzee…we lost that link as soon as he left.”
Another tweeted: “Zirkzee shouldn’t have gone off…even Amad was creating chances. Wrong subs totally.”
A third added: “Zirkzee should have stayed on, game changed after he went off.”
Someone else wrote: “Subs have not worked at all today. Creative technical players like Zirkzee, Amad, Eriksen who can move the ball rapidly out for Rashford, Højlund, and Ugarte.”
A fifth commented: “Removing Zirkzee and Amad has effectively cancelled all our attack!”
Another fan said: “Zirkzee being brought off was rather damning. He links play and keeps attacks going without losing possession. That’s exactly what’s needed against a deep-lying defence.”
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp said: “When you dominate like that, you have to capitalize. The subs didn’t do enough, and Manchester United will be disappointed.”
As a result of the draw, United now sit 11th in the Premier League with just seven points from five games.
Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace has left fans frustrated, with many believing that a key substitution by manager Erik ten Hag cost them the game. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, United couldn’t break down Palace’s defense.
The decision to take off Joshua Zirkzee in the second half, along with Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo, for Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte, and Rasmus Højlund, was met with disappointment by the fans. Many felt that Zirkzee’s removal disrupted United’s attacking flow, as he was instrumental in linking play and maintaining possession, which was crucial against Palace’s deep defense.
Fans expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing Ten Hag’s substitutions for diminishing the team’s creativity and attacking momentum. Pundit Jamie Redknapp also pointed out that United failed to capitalize on their dominance, with the substitutes unable to influence the game effectively.
The result leaves United sitting 11th in the Premier League, struggling to build momentum early in the season.
