Erik ten Hag explains Kobbie Mainoo substitution vs Forest

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that the decision to replace Kobbie Mainoo at half-time against Nottingham Forest was tactical.

The Red Devils suffered their ninth defeat of the Premier League campaign on Saturday. They were beaten 2-1 by Forest at City Ground.

The scores were level at 0-0 at the break, but United were second best for most of the second half where Ten Hag made a surprise choice.

The Dutchman opted to replace Mainoo with Scott McTominay at the interval. It proved a mistake as the Scot struggle to contain Forest.

His ball watching contributed to Forest's both goals. Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said that he had no regrets over the decision.

He said: "He played the third game in a row, in this week, that's tough where he's coming from. I don't regret [the substitution]. I thought Scott, he brought energy, I think second half was much better [from] our side."

The defeat for the Red Devils sees them in seventh in the table and they could drop to ninth if Brighton and Newcastle win their games.