Ruud Gullit has claimed one Manchester United star didn’t want to speak to Erik ten Hag during their underwhelming draw with FC Twente.
The Red Devils were held 1-1 by their Dutch opponents after Sam Lammers cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s opener.
It was a disappointing start to United’s Europa League campaign, with Ten Hag hugely critical of his side following the game, accusing them of ‘complacency’.
In an attempt to turn the tide in the clash, Ten Hag introduced Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount off the bench.
However, Gullit felt one of the substitutes didn’t want to engage with the Dutchman before coming on.
Ruud Gullit said one Man United star didn’t want to speak to Erik ten Hag against FC Twente
Before they came off the bench, Gullit said a substitute didn’t feel like engaging with Ten Hag
Gullit was also hugely critical of United’s display in their opening Europa League game
‘He wanted to have a meeting with Garnacho, but he (Garnacho) didn’t feel like it at all,’ Gullit told Dutch outlet Ziggo Sport.
‘Garnacho was preparing to come on and Ten Hag kept talking to him.
‘You can just see it when a player thinks: “Leave me alone, man!”.’
Garnacho replaced Amad Diallo after the intense briefing from his manager, but United conceded almost immediately.
Yet, despite his claims, Gullit – who managed both Chelsea and Newcastle in the 1990s – insisted he understood Ten Hag’s stance, although he was critical of United’s display.
‘As a coach, you also see things happening that just don’t go well,’ he added. ‘I also saw [Ruud] van Nistelrooy constantly in the picture.
‘He wasn’t happy. Even Casemiro got involved. You could see that things just weren’t going well.’
He continued: ‘Am I shocked by the football? No, because I see this every week. I think Twente played sensibly.
‘That is also the criticism of Ten Hag, that there is nothing recognisable (about United’s style of play).
Gullit claimed Garnacho just wanted the United boss to ‘leave him alone’ before coming on
United conceded straight after Garnacho was introduced and couldn’t win the clash
‘I feel bad for him, because I also want him to succeed. But he brings it on himself.
‘You could see that they (Twente) gained a bit more confidence after a cautious start to the match.
‘At some point you have to give them a little test and they did that well.’
United’s draw leaves them 10th in the new 36-team League Stage of the Europa League.
They return to action on Sunday when United host Tottenham, before Ten Hag’s side take on Porto in their second Europa League match next Thursday.