Ferdinand rues major Ten Hag decision that he ‘can’t be’ doing – and statistics back him up

Having been in attendance at Wembley yesterday, Rio Ferdinand went through the whirlwind of emotions first-hand alongside Manchester United fans.

The Reds actually looked like a put-together team in the first half, registering a two-goal lead before the interval thanks to Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, while also keeping Coventry City’s spirited attackers at bay.

However, in true United fashion, the tide turned remarkably in the closing 20 minutes of the match and despite leading 3-0 in the 71st minute, Erik ten Hag’s men went on to concede three goals.

Coventry’s emphatic turnaround came without Alejandro Garnacho on the pitch after he was replaced in the 66th minute for Antony – a decision which seemingly didn’t sit too well with the Argentine, as he was spotted shaking his head in response to his number appearing on the board.

You can’t really wonder why, either. Garnacho, 19, has outperformed his £86 million counterpart throughout the entirety of the season thus far and as expected, Antony offered nothing when he entered the fold.

There’s also more to it than that. In numerous matches since February, United have gone on to concede at least one goal in each of the games in which Garnacho has been substituted early.

Alejandro Garnacho shook his head in apparent disappointment as he was subbed off with Man United winning 3-0 in the 66th minute.

United have gone on to lose to Chelsea, draw to Liverpool, and have just conceded three goals to Coventry after he was subbed.

(h/t @RobDawsonESPN) pic.twitter.com/Kkv5mfE5ba

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 21, 2024

Ferdinand’s instant reaction

Ferdinand had his say on the night’s affairs – as well as the teenager’s early exit – in his latest instalment of FIVE.

“I was there. I was in a bad way during that game, 3-1, 3-2 and then 3-3, and then they got the winner and VAR saved us,” the former Red said of the semi-final tie while leaving the stadium.

“It saved us. We feel lucky man, but that’s the way it is. We get to the final and hopefully, we win now.

“Garnacho can’t be coming off of the pitch, Kobbie Mainoo coming off early – you’ve got young, hungry guys.”