Arsenal legend berates Erik Ten Hag's decisions in Brighton defeat.
Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton last weekend continues to attract criticism for the club's manager, Erik Ten Hag. Former Arsenal record scorer Ian Wright is the latest to pile on, and he even claimed the club's captain Bruno Fernandes was also left disillusioned by the Dutch tactician’s methods.
Manchester United had an encouraging start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, beating Fulham thanks to a late Joshua Zirkzee strike. The following game, however, was a disappointment, as they were paid in their coin by Brighton, who left it late to beat them 2-1.
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Ten Hag's surprising substitution
Former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck scored to give Brighton the lead. Ivorian youngster Amad Diallo restored parity around the hour mark and swung momentum in Manchester United’s favour.
While Manchester United pushed for a winner, Ten Hag opted to shuffle the back and substituted Bruno Fernandes, among others.
Brighton found a late winner thanks to a Joao Pedro order, and following the defeat, Ten Hag's actions and inactions in the match were scrutinised.
What Ian Wright said
Ten Hag's decision to substitute Fernandes is one of those that has been heavily criticised. Former Arsenal striker Wright is one of those who disagrees with Ten Hag's choice. He faulted the decision and went on to point out that the player himself looked puzzled when his number went up from the 4th official.
“A lot of things happened in that game that I just couldn’t understand or see happening,” he said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
"Like, I can’t understand why he took Bruno off and went so defensive. Why are you taking him off?
“When he [Fernandes] ran off, he was actually smiling and laughing. He was like, ‘What the f***? I can’t believe this guy.’ That’s the vibe I got from it. If anyone is going to win a game for you, it’s Bruno Fernandes.”