Peter Schmeichel hammered Erik ten Hag for his decision to take Kobbie Mainoo off at half-time (Picture: PLP)

Peter Schmeichel has blamed Manchester United’s defeat against Nottingham Forest on Erik ten Hag’s decision to substitute Kobbie Mainoo at half time.

The teenager’s emergence over the last month has represented one of the few reasons for optimism at Old Trafford over the course of a turbulent campaign.

Mainoo helped quell the threat of Forest’s midfield during a tepid opening 45 minutes at the City Ground and it was a huge surprise when he failed to emerge for the second period.

Ten Hag opted to introduce Scott McTominay but the Scotland international was conspicuous by his absence in the build-up to both of Forest’s goals in the second period.
‘He makes a substitution I think that has a really big effect on the game,’ former United goalkeeper Schmeichel told Premier League Productions.

‘Yes, I said this before I can understand you want McTominay on, but not for the guy you take off.

‘The guy you take off Mainoo is such a good player and he played alright. He was controlling that part of the pitch very, very well.

“Morgan Gibbs-White with a RUTHLESS finish!” 💥

Forest are back in front! 🌳 pic.twitter.com/IjGLZD0fOO— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2023

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