Erik ten Hag slammed for starting “worst player” for Man United vs Bournemouth

Former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood has slammed Erik ten Hag’s lineup decision for Manchester United’s 3-0 loss against Bournemouth.

The Reds produced one of their most disappointing performances of the season just days after victory against Chelsea suggesting there could be signs of improvement coming.

Bournemouth opened the scoring within the opening five minutes, and whilst United took control of possession thereafter; Ten Hag’s side never truly threatened the visiting team’s goal.

Old Trafford was eventually stunned midway through the second half when two goals within five minutes put The Cherries 3-0 up.

Ten Hag made the bold decision to start Luke Shaw at centre-back and replace Rasmus Hojlund with Anthony Martial up front. Neither choice proved worthwhile, as both players had poor individual performances.

Yet, it was the decision to leave Kobbie Mainoo out of the side for loanee Sofyan Amrabat that shocked Tim Sherwood the most.

Mainoo, 18, only made his full Premier League debut two weeks ago against Everton. But the teenager was the best player on the pitch at Goodison Park and provided United with some much-needed composure and quality in their engine room, as well as an energetic defensive aid.

“I want Ten Hag or someone to tell me why Kobbie Mainoo is not playing and Amrabat is because Amrabat is by far their worst player today,” said Sherwood to Sky Sports in the first-half of the game.

“He is having loads of the football, and he makes poor decisions on it. His distribution is not as good as Kobbie.”

Mainoo was on the bench but did not make an appearance with Ten Hag opting to introduce Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Jonny Evans and Facundo Pellistri instead.