“The idea was” – Maresca explains his subs as he comes under fire after Man United loss | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has explained the thought process behind his substitutions against Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Chelsea slumped to a 2-1 defeat on a miserable afternoon in Manchester, meaning their wait for a first win at Old Trafford since 2013 continues.

The loss was Chelsea’s first in the Premier League this season, and leaves them seven points behind leaders Liverpool after just five games.

Enzo Maresca explains his substitutions against Man United

Chelsea made an awful start to the game and were all over the place from minute one, which culminated in disaster after four minutes.

Robert Sanchez came rushing out of goal and got sent off for taking out United forward Bryan Mbeumo, and Maresca stated the Spaniard should have let him score.

Maresca has come under fire for his subs against Man United. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Maresca responded by withdrawing Estevao, but also took off Pedro Neto, leaving Chelsea with just two attackers on the pitch in Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.

Chelsea’s misery was compounded after 20 minutes with Palmer coming off through injury, although Casemiro was also sent off in the first half, but the Blues had just one attacker on the pitch, which made things difficult.

Speaking after the game Maresca explained the reason for his substitutions, and why he opted for five defenders.

“They attack with five players so the idea was to defend with five players,” he said as quoted on X.com.

“You can defend with four at 11 vs 11.

“The game probably changed after they conceded the red card also with Casemiro.

“We were much better.”

Questions for Chelsea to answer

This was a majorly disappointing result for the Blues, but there’s a chance to put things right against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

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Maresca will no doubt make changes for the game, and perhaps the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens will see minutes.

The attacking duo who cost around £90m were left on the bench with Chelsea chasing the game, as Maresca chose to introduce Tyrique George and Malo Gusto instead in another baffling decision.