“Dude, leave me alone” - Ruud Gullit suggests how Manchester United star would’ve felt about Ten Hag before substitution vs FC Twente
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit believes Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho would have been least pleased by Erik ten Hag's actions before his substitution against FC Twente. The Argentinean forward started the UEFA Europa League game from the bench as the Red Devils ended up dropping points at home.
The Premier League giants took the lead in the 35th minute, thanks to a fine striker from Christian Eriksen. In the second half, with Manchester United still leading 1-0, the Dutch manager opted to bring on Garnacho in place of Amad Diallo.
As the 20-year-old prepared to come on, Ten Hag was seen talking to him at length, even as the player looked like a picture of concentration.
After the game, Gullit insisted that the Argentinean simply wanted to be left alone, saying (via SPORTbible).
“I saw Erik ten Hag talking to Garnacho all the time, the only thing a player is thinking during a moment like that is ‘Dude, leave me alone!” said Gullit.
Unfortunately, a minute after Garnacho came on, the away side equalized through Sam Lammers. Ten Hag brought on the cavalry later in the game, with Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount entering the fray, but the Red Devils still failed to pick up a win.
Gullit was left far from impressed by the Premier League giants' efforts and expressed his dissatisfaction at the job done by Ten Hag so far.
"Yeah, but it's a process. How many millions did Erik ten Hag invest in his team again? I'm not surprised by the football Manchester United showed tonight. Why not? Because we are used to it by now," said Gullit.
Manchester United have won two and lost two of their five games in the Premier League this season.
Will Alejandro Garnacho step up for Manchester United this season?
Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a steady rise in the world of football since the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
This season, the Argentinean has already amassed four goals and three assists from eight games across competitions. He has been embroiled in a few off-field controversies in recent times which would have irked Ten Hag, but it is clear that the Dutchman holds the forward in high regard.
Garnacho has a flair and personality that makes him a good fit at Old Trafford but he also has the qualities to become indispensable for the club. Last season, the forward made 50 appearances across competitions, scoring 10 goals in the process.