Erik ten Hag explains why Joshua Zirkzee was subbed off during Man United vs Crystal Palace

Erik ten Hag has explained his Manchester United substitutions during the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace which included Joshua Zirkzee controversially coming off.

The Reds put in one of their most commanding displays of the season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

Despite dominating the game and creating several clear opportunities in front of goal, Erik ten Hag’s side failed to convert their chances and had to settle for a draw.

This result leaves United with just seven points from their first five Premier League matches—a disappointing return despite moments of promise.

Joshua Zirkzee’s controversial subtitution

Joshua Zirkzee was the first player to make way in the game as he came off for Marcus Rashford just after the 60-minute mark.

It was probably Zirkzee’s best performance for the club since signing from Bologna in the summer transfer window.

The Dutchman’s great link-up play and deft touches helped United gain control in the final third–something they were doing consistently during his time on the pitch.

However, that threat was lost when he exited the field and United struggled to control the game in a similar vein in the closing stages of the match.

Ten Hag also took out Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo – two other players that helped United seemingly control affairs in the first half of the game.

However, when speaking to reporters after the game, the United boss firstly stated that he wanted fresh legs on the pitch.

But he also explained that the change in approach from Palace in the second half meant that there were fewer spaces to play in as they were being much more aggressive.

This suggests that the manager wanted to hit the opposition with powerful and direct attacks with the likes of Rasmus Højlund, Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, but it just did not work.

“Sure, you hope that they will have an impact as they come fresh from the bench and the opponent is tired,” began Ten Hag.

“But also, to be fair, the approach of the opponent changed in the second half. They were much more aggressive and also closed much better in the midfield areas.

“It was more difficult for us to create chances, that is also the truth, and they had some good chances through counter-attacks.”

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