in , , , , , , , ,

Man United legend slams Ten Hag for mystifying mid-game decisions in abject loss to Newcastle

Gary Neville slams Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez substitutions in Manchester United vs Newcastle United.
Gary Neville slams Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez substitutions in Manchester United vs Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Gary Neville slams Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez substitutions in Manchester United vs Newcastle United

Manchester United icon Gary Neville criticised Erik ten Hag for substituting Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the match against Newcastle United.

The French and Argentine centre-backs were both hauled off in the 83rd minute of the games. Subsequently, the Magpies doubled their lead and secured the three points in a 2-0 win over the Red Devils.

Speaking via Manchester Evening News after Callum Wilson scored the second goal, Neville, who spent his entire playing career at the Old Trafford side, felt the Dutch manager made a tactical error with his changes.

Gary Neville slams Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez substitutions in Manchester United vs Newcastle United.
Gary Neville believes Erik ten Hag was wrong to substitute his two centre-backs in Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle United. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

“Once those changes were made this was the most predictable outcome. Manchester United just had no height in there. You are better off having two with them both being centre-backs rather than three with two full-backs, you end up being really exposed.”

At the point of Varane and Martinez leaving the pitch, Man United were only losing 1-0. So, throwing the kitchen sink at the result did not seem like a wise move and it eventually backfired.

Facundo Pellistri replaced the Argentine, while Lindelof came on for the former Real Madrid defender. The Sweden international went on to form a back three with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw.

The apparent lack of height and physicality in the Old Trafford side’s backline evidently gave Eddie Howe’s team the advantage. The Tyneside outfit took it as Wilson found the back of the net with his header from a set piece.

Man United took on Newcastle on Sunday (2 April) at St. James’ Park in the Premier League. The fixture was massive in terms of the top-four race, with the Tyneside outfit leapfrogging the Red Devils to third place in the table.

Howe’s team were on the front foot for most of the match, creating a number of chances. David de Gea kept us in the game on certain occasions with some impressive saves. Unfortunately, Joe Willock got through the guard in the 66th minute.

More Manchester United News

The result does not bode well for the Old Trafford side. Hopefully, Ten Hag will be able to make the team bounce back in our next game versus Brentford.

Written by Aheed Abrar

Erik ten Hag urges Manchester United players to win Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.

“Money is thing”- Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United’s transfer strategy for the summer

Casemiro absence termed "big loss" for Manchester United after Newcastle United defeat.

Man United icon outlines key absentee whose absence swung the tie in Newcastle’s favour.