Live reports from Old Trafford, “I’ve never seen a player so determined to destroy us! He was the only United player I feared, bringing nothing but terror every time he touched the ball. His energy and drive were overwhelming, and it felt like he could break through at any moment. But then, Ten Hag made the mistake of subbing him out which shows he’s amateur coach, and just like that, the goal came. It was like a weight lifted off our shoulders the moment he left the pitch. That one decision changed everything.” Twente FC coach hail Man United star and blast ten hag for taking him off in their Europa league game against Manchester United.
A dramatic Europa League clash between Manchester United and Twente FC at Old Trafford has sparked considerable debate following post-match comments from Twente’s head coach. In a surprising twist, the visiting coach praised United’s young star, Amad Diallo, while harshly criticizing Erik Ten Hag’s substitution decision, which he believes cost Manchester United the victory.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the turning point came in the 72nd minute when Ten Hag decided to substitute Diallo. This decision shifted the momentum in Twente’s favor almost immediately. In his post-match conference, the Twente coach didn’t hold back in his praise of Diallo, describing him as the only United player he genuinely feared throughout the game. He went on to say that Diallo’s energy and determination to dismantle Twente were unparalleled, and his presence on the field brought constant anxiety every time he touched the ball.
Diallo, who has been working his way into the Manchester United first team, delivered a standout performance that night. His speed, technical ability, and aggressive pressing created multiple challenges for Twente’s defense. He danced past defenders with ease and came close to scoring on more than one occasion, with his movement causing constant problems. One Twente defender even admitted that facing Diallo was like dealing with a nightmare, as they were forced to drop back each time he gained possession, knowing he had the potential to punish them at any moment.
Despite his electrifying performance, Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Diallo with less than 20 minutes remaining surprised both fans and Twente’s coaching staff. The Twente coach was visibly relieved as Diallo left the pitch and later described it as a significant mistake by Ten Hag, suggesting it showed a lack of experience. According to him, the moment Diallo left the field, the pressure on Twente instantly eased, and they capitalized just minutes later, scoring the equalizer in the 75th minute. From that point onward, Twente controlled the match, taking advantage of Diallo’s absence and the gap left in United’s attacking play.
The Twente coach made it clear that he believed Ten Hag’s decision was the key factor in the match’s outcome, explaining that as long as Diallo was on the field, Twente remained under constant threat. Once Diallo was substituted, Twente gained the breathing space needed to push forward and eventually find a way back into the game. He even suggested that if Diallo had stayed on, Twente might not have been able to stage their comeback.
Following the match, the substitution decision drew widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. Social media was flooded with reactions questioning Ten Hag’s judgment, with many baffled by the move to take off Diallo, who had been United’s most dangerous player throughout the game. One football analyst even tweeted that Diallo had been “untouchable” on the night and questioned what Ten Hag was thinking in removing him from the game.
Amid the controversy, Diallo’s performance provided a beacon of hope for Manchester United. The 21-year-old showcased his immense potential, consistently taking on defenders, creating chances, and injecting energy into United’s attack. In a season where United has struggled with consistency both domestically and in Europe, Diallo’s rise offers a glimpse of what the future might hold for the club. His performance against Twente has certainly made a strong case for him to play a more prominent role in upcoming matches.
As the debate surrounding the match lingers, attention will now turn to how Erik Ten Hag addresses the criticism surrounding his decision-making. Although Manchester United remains in a solid position to advance from their group, the questions about Ten Hag’s handling of crucial moments during matches will continue to be a topic of discussion. For Twente, the draw represents a significant accomplishment, having secured a valuable point at Old Trafford. Their coach made it clear that Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Diallo was the opening they needed to take control of the game.