April 27th 2024.
The youngsters were raring to go as they took to the pitch with United desperately in need of a goal. It was a tense match against Burnley on Saturday and manager Erik ten Hag found himself in the hot seat as he defended his decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo. The game was at a standstill when the two players were taken off in the 65th minute, with Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay stepping in to take their places. The crowd at Old Trafford was not pleased with the change, and their groans could be heard throughout the stadium.
Despite the initial reaction, it seemed as though Ten Hag's decision had paid off when Antony scored for United in the 79th minute. However, Burnley was not ready to give up and Zeki Amdouni equalized with a penalty not long after. The final whistle brought disappointment and frustration for the home team, as they dropped two valuable points. But Ten Hag was quick to defend his choices, stating that he was trying to protect Mainoo and Hojlund after a tough few weeks.
When asked about the negative response from the fans, Ten Hag replied, "No offense, but I have to manage the team. Winning games is the top priority, and as a manager, I have to make decisions based on what the game needs. At that point, we needed some fresh legs and a tactical change. Our midfield was high-intensity and going back and forth, so I wanted to bring on a player who could control the ball and be creative. It was also clear that Rasmus, a young player, was showing signs of fatigue, as was Kobbie Mainoo."
The manager continued, "It was the right decision to substitute them. We saw the benefits when we brought in Scott, who was able to use his energy and make a difference. He was excellent in the open spaces and helped us get into a winning position. And let's not forget, we had three games in seven days, while Burnley had some days off. In a high-intensity game like this, it's only logical to make substitutions, especially for young players in their first years in the Premier League."
Ten Hag also addressed the issue of injury risk for his players, saying, "Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo have already had injuries this season, and I didn't want to take any chances with them. They are both talented and important for the team, but their health is my top priority. So, there were multiple reasons for my substitutions, and I stand by my decision. I understand that the fans want to see these players on the field, and I appreciate their support, but ultimately, I have to do my job and make the best choices for the team."
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