Manchester United fans were baffled by Erik ten Hag’s handling of one ‘forgotten’ player after the Red Devils dropped points against Burnley at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s men welcomed Burnley to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday after their 4-2 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford during the midweek.
Manchester United were frustrated in the first half and went into the break with the scoreline level, but the Red Devils finally broke the deadlock in the second half.
Antony, who has been met with heavy criticism this season over his lacklustre performance, fired United into the lead with a superb finish in the 79th minute.
However, Vincent Kompany’s men were handed the all-important lifeline after VAR intervened and awarded Burnley a penalty against United.
Zeki Amdouni stepped up for Vincent Kompany’s side and beat Andre Onana from the spot, with the equaliser ensuring an important point for Burnley.
United are sixth after their 1-1 draw against Burnley, but seventh-place Newcastle are now one point behind the Red Devils after their 5-1 win on Saturday.
Ten Hag’s side are 12 points adrift from the Premier League club with only four matches remaining, with a top-four finish effectively over for United.
Ten Hag and ‘forgotten’ Man Utd star
Erik ten Hag brought on Scott McTominay in the second half against Burnley after he withdrew Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo from the contest.
The United boss had said that Scott McTominay was an injury doubt for the Sheffield United clash, with the Scottish midfielder coming off the bench.
McTominay was now unable to see out the second half against Burnley at Old Trafford and the Scotland international was forced off in injury time.
Ten Hag turned to Mason Mount as the replacement for the 27-year-old Scotland midfielder, with the United No 7 seeing very little action in the match.
Mason Mount was a marquee signing for the Dutchman last summer, but the former Chelsea ace has been hit with injuries in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag confirmed that the 25-year-old United player would be in his matchday squad for the Burnley clash during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“It’s the same squad but Mason Mount, he will return to the squad,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
However, United fans were baffled by the limited time that Mount received and questioned why he wasn’t brought on in the first place ahead of McTominay.
The Red Devils signed the England international in 2023 for an initial £55m fee from Chelsea, with a further £5m agreed in add-ons.
Man Utd fans react to Ten Hag’s Mount decision
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, were baffled with the decision from Ten Hag to not play Mount for more minutes in the match.
Mount returned to first-team action last month after a lengthy spell on the sideline due to his calf injury, but the ex-Blues star has been limited with his playing time.
One fan posted: “Mason Mount should be starting for me! Certainly shouldn’t be coming on the 92nd minute. He’s more than capable in that midfield and runs like f**k!”
Another commented: “Don’t understand why spend £70m on Mason Mount only for him to not start ahead of [Christian] Eriksen.”
A third said: “Subbing McTominay in even [though] he knows he’s not fit enough while Mount is match fit!? What the f**k is this?”
While someone else wrote: “I’ve not seen Mason Mount put a foot wrong whenever he’s come off the bench; I know he’s not at full fitness but absolutely criminal if he doesn’t start getting more minutes.”
“Mason Mount is an Ander Herrera replacement. That means United will still need three more CMs in the next window,” a fifth added.
And a sixth tweeted: “No-one could explain Ten Hag’s decision to sign Mason Mount in the summer. I don’t he can either ATM.”
Somebody else said: “Mason Mount is fantastic, saved a few big chances on his own. Gives the work rate United lack.”
An eighth added: “Ten Hag, what are you doing not starting him? Honestly.”