“That is insane” – Frank Leboeuf slams Enzo Maresca decision in Man United defeat | OneFootball

Frank Leboeuf has labelled one decision Enzo Maresca made during Chelsea’s game against Manchester United as “insane.”

Chelsea slumped to a 2-1 defeat against United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, as their wait for a first win at the famous ground since 2013 continues.

It was Chelsea’s first defeat of the Premier League season and it leaves them on eight points from five games, and already seven points behind leaders Liverpool at this early stage.

Frank Leboeuf not impressed with Enzo Maresca

Maresca made two changes from the side which lost to Bayern on Wednesday, with Estevao Willian and Wesley Fofana coming in.

In terrible conditions in Manchester, the Blues made an awful start to the game and were all over the place in the opening minutes.

Palmer went off injured after 20 minutes against Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The poor start culminated in Robert Sanchez being sent off after just four minutes for taking out United forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Maresca reacted by taking off Estevao, and then also took off Pedro Neto and went to a back five, a system Chelsea don’t play.

Thing got even worse as Cole Palmer was taken off injured after just 20 minutes, and Maresca confirmed after the game the 23-year-old wasn’t 100% fit.

Palmer was given a late fitness test ahead of the game, and Leboeuf has labelled the decision not to take him off instead of Neto as insane.

“If you have to sacrifice another forward player, you take off Cole Palmer first [who wasn’t at 100% anyway], not Pedro Neto,” he said as quoted on X.com.

“That is insane from Enzo Maresca.”

Rough afternoon for Chelsea

It was a miserable afternoon for the Blues and Maresca, who left many baffled with his choice of substitutions throughout the game.

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In the second half with the Blues chasing the game, he opted to bring on Tyrique George and Malo Gusto, with summer signings Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho left on the bench.

It was yet another game in which Marc Guiu was unused, and Chelsea will need a response and a return to winning ways against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.