Erik ten Hag leaves Man Utd fans with egg on their faces after unpopular decision pays off

Erik ten Hag received a lot of criticism for bringing Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans off the bench when Manchester United needed an equalizer, only for the England defender to score late on.

Erik ten Hag got the last laugh in Porto when his late replacements were pummeled, but Harry Maguire scored their late equalizer.

Manchester United had showed the worst of themselves by squandering a 2-0 lead in Portugal. The hosts were tied at halftime and took the lead early in the second half. They had multiple opportunities to extend their advantage but were unable to capitalize.

Ten Hag later saw his team reduced to ten men after Bruno Fernandes was sent off. In need of a goal, United’s manager brought on Maguire and Jonny Evans as he altered the formation.

Fans have criticized the Dutchman online as doubts about his future remain unanswered. His adjustments were seen negatively, yet it was one of the centre-halves he brought in who scored the game-tying header.

A player commented: “Thankfully, we have two fresh centre-backs to try and get this equaliser…” Another added: “When you’re 3-2 down and need a goal, Ten Hag brings on Maguire and Evans. “You’re absolutely clueless, man.” That opinion was echoed by one supporter, who stated, “Evans and Maguire come on when we need a goal? Ten Hag genuinely wants to be fired”.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt struggled defensively throughout the game against Porto. Their record does not look good, with the duo also allowing three goals in humiliating home losses to Liverpool and Tottenham.

Ten Hag brought De Ligt in from Bayern Munich in the summer to shore up a backline that conceded a lot of goals last season. It remains a severe issue, and despite the leveller, inserting Maguire and Evans demonstrates Manchester’s lack of combinations.

The fact that United surrendered two or more goals for the 31st time in the last two seasons highlighted the team’s defensive issues. Ten Hag was hampered by injuries last season, but even with his players healthy, he has continued to watch his squad score goals this year.

The performance will have done nothing to relieve the strain on the United manager, even if his late substitution resulted in an equalizer. The Manchester side, who are now in mid-table after six Premier League games, will travel to Villa Park next.