Man United fans think ‘game completely changed’ after one Erik ten Hag decision in Crystal Palace draw

Manchester United fans voiced their disappointment and frustration following a pivotal managerial decision during the match against Crystal Palace. Manager Erik ten Hag’s substitutions, particularly the removal of Joshua Zirkzee, ignited heated discussions among supporters, many of whom believed it altered the game’s flow and cost them a vital win. The Red Devils aimed for back-to-back Premier League victories but ended up with a 0-0 draw against a determined Palace at Selhurst Park, missing out on essential points.

During the game, United maintained possession and created several opportunities, yet they could not convert these chances into goals. Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, also had opportunities to clinch a win, with standout player Eberechi Eze missing two clear chances.

In the second half, Ten Hag implemented several substitutions, introducing Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte, and Rasmus Højlund to energize the squad. However, the choice to substitute Zirkzee, who had been vital in connecting play and offering creativity, faced significant backlash from fans.

Following the match, social media was inundated with criticism of Ten Hag’s tactical decisions. Supporters expressed their frustrations, arguing that Zirkzee’s departure disrupted the team’s attacking flow. Many believed that replacing him, along with Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo, diminished United’s effectiveness against Palace’s defense.

Analysts like Jamie Redknapp highlighted United’s inability to take advantage of their dominance, stressing that the substitutions failed to yield the intended results, leaving the team with just one point. This outcome places Manchester United in 11th position in the Premier League, accumulating only seven points from their first five matches. The draw against Palace is seen as a missed chance to build early-season momentum, raising concerns about the team’s competitiveness. The pressure is now on Ten Hag to make the right choices as the season unfolds.