Coward” – Enzo Maresca’s sub decisions “hard to understand” complain fans and pundits

Enzo Maresca once again left Chelsea supporters fuming with his tactical calls following an early red card against Manchester United, repeating the frustrations many felt during a previous match.

Ultra-defensive switch after Sánchez’s dismissal

When goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off, Maresca understandably had to bring on a replacement. Yet he also chose to introduce centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo for winger Pedro Neto, sacrificing Chelsea’s most potent counter-attacking outlet in order to set up with five at the back.

Soon after, Cole Palmer aggravated a groin problem. Because Chelsea had already used three substitutions and two of their three in-game windows, Maresca had limited flexibility. Had he waited to assess Palmer’s fitness before making the extra change, he could have reshuffled more effectively—or simply rested his star man earlier instead of risking him while injured.

Passive approach despite a lifeline

Supporters were even more perplexed by the lack of adjustments at half-time. With United reduced to ten men but leading 2–0, many expected Chelsea to bring on more attackers and chase the game. The break offered a “free” opportunity to shift strategy, yet Maresca stuck with the same conservative setup used at 0–0 when Chelsea were a man down.

Podcaster Kieran Doyle branded the approach “real coward stuff,” while analyst Will Faulks called the decision “hard to understand.” Whether Chelsea eventually respond remains to be seen, but fans believe a golden chance to seize the momentum was squandered.