ERIK TEN HAG has revealed the reason behind the substitution of Kobbie Mainoo against Nottingham Forest.

Mainoo, who has been a revelation since stepping into the Manchester United first team following his return from injury, was taken off at half time against Forest.

Erik ten Hag chose McTominay to replace Mainoo 

The score was 0-0 when Mainoo was taken off

Ten Hag said Scott McTominay added ‘energy’ when he came on 

The score was 0-0 with the 18-year-old on the pitch with neither team able to create a significant breakthrough.

However, Ten Hag opted to sub the youngster off and replaced him with Scott McTominay.

Man Utd’s defence then fell apart as two passes dropped to the edge of the area – the position a defensive midfielder should be occupying to cut out danger – resulted in goals for the home side.

Mctominay did not appear in the cover area in front of the goal

After the game Ten Hag confirmed Mainoo’s substitution was due to tactical reasons and that he had “no regrets” over the move.

He doubled down on the sub by trying to justify McTominay’s introduction.

The Dutchman explained: “Scott [McTominay] 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.”

Furious fans were unhappy at the explanation.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “This man is just so lost.”

A second said: “Okay. Time to go then We’ve had enough.

“How can you call that tactical while bringing in McTominay that offers absolutely nothing.”

A third said: “Sack him on the spot.”

Another said: “This guy has lost it.”

A fifth added: “Tactical to show Fergi & Sir Dave how bad McTominay is..”

The 2-1 defeat was overseen by both the club’s new director, Sir Dave Brailsford, and renowned manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Red Devils supporters were also infuriated when Anthony Elanga, who had been substituted off late in the game, pointed to the Nottingham Forest badge.

Man Utd’s miserable 2023 was made worse, according to statistics, by the fact that their 21 losses in all competitions this year are the fewest since 25 losses in 1972.