After falling to another defeat, this time at the hands of Nottingham Forest, Man United fans have ended the year with a similar feeling to what they have had for many parts of 2023.
Hopes were high following Tuesday night's comeback victory over the in-form Aston Villa and some may have thought Erik ten Hag had finally found a balanced starting lineup capable of winning games.
Sadly for Man United, tonight's performance at Nottingham Forest showed that they're still miles away from the consistency needed to compete at the highest of levels.
Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White either side of Marcus Rashford's equaliser proved decisive and added more mysery to Man United's cause.
While the performance of the Red Devils lacked quality, confidence and desire, Man United supporters were far from impressed with some of the decisions being made on the touchline.
Redknapp bewildered over Man United substitution
The first half was a bleak watch, with neither side showing enough quality to carve out goalscoring chances and Man United boss Erik ten Hag looked to his bench for reinforcements.
In recent weeks, youngster Kobbie Mainoo has been a rare bright spark for Man United and despite the poor first half showing from both sides, Mainoo was far from the least productive for the away side.
Ten Hag opted to introduce Scott McTominay to the action in place of the 18-year-old, leading to uproar from many United fans.
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Looking at the decision from a tactical view, it's possible that the Man United manager was eager to add more of a physical presence to his midfield and limit the impact of Morgan Gibbs-White.
That was far from the case, as McTominay failed to track the Forest man who came up with this strike to win the game.
"Morgan Gibbs-White with a RUTHLESS finish!" 💥
Forest are back in front! 🌳 pic.twitter.com/IjGLZD0fOO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2023
After the game, Jamie Redknapp addressed the decision to bring McTominay on for Mainoo and he certainly didn't agree with the Man United manager.
The feeling was at half time that this game was there for them (Nottingham Forest). They're in the ascendency. United are struggling defensively. They obviously made the change at half time and it was a very strange one to take off Mainoo and leave yourself without a recognised defensive midfield player. You were left with Eriksen, McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. It's an area where all good teams have good defensive midfield players.
You look at what McTominay has done this year playing for Scotland, all his good work has come at the top of the field. Straight away you could see there were gaps, it opened up for Nottingham Forest and that's certainly where they got their success.
It didn't take Man United fans long to take to social media and react to the substitution.
I cannot believe Ten Hag watched that first half in its entirety and thought what we were missing was McTominay. I cannot believe it.
— Lyés (@LyesBouzidi10) December 30, 2023
Substituting Mainoo for McTominay was a really really bad mistake…
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) December 30, 2023
McTominay just jogging about for both goals while his man scores. Appalling.
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) December 30, 2023
Asides being our most technically secure midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo sits in front of our back four, closes down spaces, and tracks late runs into our box.
I cannot believe Erik ten Hag subbed him off for McTominay, who left huge spaces that were exploited by Forest. No words. pic.twitter.com/TTuZzmHMgy
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) December 30, 2023
Erik ten Hag has 'no regrets' over substitution
Pressure is continuing to build on Erik ten Hag and after 18 months in the job, it's clear that the side still haven't figured out a consistent style of play.
Despite many questions over his decision to take Kobbie Mainoo off the pitch, the Man United manager has seemingly stuck by his decision.
Ten Hag confirms Mainoo's removal was tactical. Says he has 'no regrets' about the decision. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 30, 2023
Speaking after the game ten Hag said:
Scott brought energy, I think the second half was much better on our side. The first goal, when you analyse it well, has nothing to do with the midfield.
The second goal came from poor communication.
It's tough to see how Erik ten Hag might turn this situation around, as it feels like anyone who finds themselves in charge of the club often runs into this same problem at a similar time.
With the club unlikely to spend in the January transfer window, time could soon be up for the Dutch manager.
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