Murphy queried Maresca’s decision to substitute Neto when he knew Cole Palmer was struggling.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Pundit and former Liverpool star, Danny Murphy, has criticized Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, saying his substitutions during Blues’ league defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford were “strange” and “negative”.
He made this known on Saturday while featuring as a guest on BBC Match of the Day.
Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of obviously struggling Man United on Saturday.
Five minutes into the game, Enzo Maresca’s men were cut down to 10 after goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez was given a straight red, owing to a last-man foul on Red Devils forward, Bryan Mbeumo.
Maresca after the incident made changes, bringing on Filip Jorgensen to replace Estevao, while defender Tosin Adarabioyo was brought on for Pedro Neto.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for the home side in the 14th minute with a sublime goal.
ALSO READ: Amorim adamant, says ‘Even Pope can’t make me change tactics at Man United’
Cole Palmer was forced off a few minutes later due to a groin injury.
Man United doubled their advantage in the 37th minute, but they were reduced to 10 men shortly before the break after Casemiro was sent off for a second bookable offense.
On resumption of the second half, Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea in the 80th minute, but they were unable to find an equaliser.
Speaking after the encounter, Murphy queried Maresca’s decision to substitute Neto knowing Cole Palmer was struggling.
He said, “I think bringing an extra defending on is understandable and taking off an attacker, but a few minutes later Palmer is off after they’re 1-0 down.
“We felt Neto and Cole Palmer coming off was a really negative move. Okay, we trust his word that he [Palmer] is struggling a bit with injury but maybe he should’ve brought him off at the beginning and left Neto on for his pace…”
