Rasmus Hojlund is spotted looking bemused at Erik ten Hag’s decision to substitute Kobbie Mainoo in Man United’s draw with Burnley – which sparked furious reaction from fans
- The Man United striker looked confused as Kobbie Mainoo was withdrawn
- Rasmus Hojlund and Mainoo later took their place on the bench together
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New footage has emerged showing Rasmus Hojlund’s stunned reaction after Kobbie Mainoo was sent off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The United striker endured a difficult game at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s problems in the Premier League continued and he was taken off by his manager late in the second half.
Hojlund – who completed a £72million move from Atalanta in the summer – has built a strong relationship with Mainoo and fellow United youngster Alejandro Garnacho during his debut season at the club.
The Danish star was one of Ten Hag’s biggest supporters as the United manager tried to keep his job for another season, but looked confused when his teammate Mainoo was taken off.
Footage taken from Old Trafford shows Hojlund walking along the edge of the pitch after being replaced by Amad Diallo, with Mainoo also withdrawn for Scott McTominay in the 65th minute.
Rasmus Hojlund wore a bewildered expression as Kobbie Mainoo was sent off against Burnley on Saturday
Mainoo (right) was taken off the field next to Hojlund in the second half by Erik ten Hag (center).
Hojlund’s international colleague Christian Eriksen retained his place in midfield and there was clear frustration in the United stadium as the double substitution took place.
Anger later reverberated around Old Trafford at full-time when Zeki Amdouni converted from the penalty spot late in the match after a mistake by goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Hojlund walked back to the dugout when he saw Mainoo’s name appear on the fourth official’s board and shook his head unhappily, pursing his lips.
A United Academy graduate, Mainoo was one of the club’s players of the season after breaking into the first team and becoming a regular starter.
His performances earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad and he is now in line for a place in the Three Lions squad at the upcoming European Championship.
Hojlund shook his head and pursed his lips as Mainoo’s number appeared on the fourth official’s board.
Hojlund and Mainoo later took their place next to each other on the bench at Old Trafford
United manager Ten Hag explained his substitutions after the match, claiming that younger players in his squad playing their first full season are prone to fatigue.
“I am the manager and I have to decide what the team needs,” said Ten Hag.
‘It was the right decision and made perfect sense to take away very young players who are in their first year in the Premier League and are feeling some fatigue.
‘She [Mainoo and Hohlund] “I have both had injuries this season and I want to protect them,” he added.
