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 ended in a 1-1 draw, but the result has sparked considerable debate due to remarks from Twente’s head coach. He lauded United’s young talent, Amad Diallo, while sharply criticizing Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag for substituting Diallo in the 72nd minute—a choice the Twente coach feels was pivotal in denying United the win.

Diallo emerged as Manchester United’s standout player, exhibiting a dynamic performance that kept Twente’s defense on edge. The young winger, gradually solidifying his place in the starting lineup, displayed his speed, technical skills, and relentless pressing, consistently challenging the opposing defenders. He nearly scored multiple times, causing anxiety within Twente’s backline. His ability to penetrate defenses and create opportunities kept Twente under substantial pressure for most of the match.

However, Ten Hag’s decision to replace Diallo with less than 20 minutes remaining surprised many. Twente’s coach expressed relief at Diallo’s departure, deeming the substitution a blunder that shifted momentum to Twente. Shortly after Diallo left, Twente equalized in the 75th minute and subsequently controlled the game. The coach argued that while Diallo was on the field, United posed a genuine threat, but his exit allowed Twente to find space and launch their comeback.

The Twente coach was candid in his post-match remarks, suggesting that Ten Hag’s decision reflected a lack of experience. He claimed that Diallo was the one player capable of dismantling Twente’s defense, and his removal alleviated pressure on the team, allowing them to regroup and take charge. He believed that if Diallo had stayed on, Twente might not have been able to equalize.

The decision to substitute Diallo has drawn significant criticism from fans and analysts. Many were baffled by Ten Hag’s choice to remove a player who had been United’s most dangerous attacker. Social media was filled with critiques of Ten Hag’s judgment, with some commentators describing Diallo as “untouchable” that evening.

Despite the controversy, Diallo’s performance was a bright spot for Manchester United, highlighting his potential as a key player moving forward. His display against Twente has strengthened his case for a more prominent role in upcoming matches, especially in a season where United has struggled with consistency. As attention shifts to Ten Hag’s response to the criticism, the discussion surrounding his decision-making in crucial moments is likely to persist, even as Manchester United remains in a strong position to advance from their group.