As Manchester United narrowly escaped a FA Cup semifinal upset against Coventry City, Rio Ferdinand couldn’t help but voice his bewilderment at some of Erik ten Hag’s decisions during the intense clash.
Despite holding a comfortable 3-0 lead, United found themselves on the brink of defeat after Coventry’s spirited comeback, saved only by a late VAR intervention.
Ferdinand, speaking candidly after the match, expressed disbelief at ten Hag’s choices, particularly his substitution of Alejandro Garnacho at a critical juncture. The decision to withdraw Garnacho, followed by another unexpected substitution of Kobbie Mainoo, left Ferdinand questioning the manager’s strategy.
While acknowledging Amad Diallo’s impact as a substitute, Ferdinand underscored the importance of retaining young, hungry players like Garnacho and Mainoo, especially in high-stakes encounters like the FA Cup semifinal.
Though the focus remains on the FA Cup for United this season, ten Hag’s tactical decisions raised eyebrows, considering the importance of every player’s contribution in such crucial matches. Despite the team’s eventual progression, the game served as a reminder of the challenges ahead for ten Hag and his management approach.