Man Utd Opponents Exploit Rule by Making Two Subs 30 Seconds Into Cup Tie

Rochdale made two substitutions just 30 seconds into their National League Cup tie against Manchester United on Tuesday.

Man United's under-21s claimed a 2-0 victory over Rochdale in their first win of this season's National League Cup group stages.

Chido Obi opened the scoring in the 11th minute, with James Scanlon doubling his side's advantage in second-half stoppage time.

But the clash will be remembered for Rochdale's double substitution inside the first 30 seconds as they exploited the competition's rules.

After kick-off, where Rochdale deliberately kicked the ball out of touch, they made not one but two substitutions.

Jake Burger and Jack Griffiths replaced Ryan East and Toby Adebayo-Rowling in the very first minute of Tuesday's game.

Competition rules state that National League clubs must start at least four players from their previous league fixture.

Rochdale made a double substitution inside 30 seconds against Manchester United. Image: Getty

Rochdale complied with the regulations by starting regulars East and Adebayo-Rowling, who both played from the start in their goalless draw with Woking last weekend.

But the pair were on the pitch for seconds as they came off almost as soon as the game kicked off.

It comes just weeks after Robbie Savage exploited the same rule in Forest Green's tie against Wolves under-21s in the same competition.

Savage took advantage of the loophole by making four substitutions after one minute of their match.

Tom Knowles, Kyle MacAllister, Neil Kengni Kuemo and Abraham Kanu made way for Yahya Bamba, James Balagizi, William Merrett and Akai Bonnick.

His decision paid off as his team won 3-2.

But it didn't quite work out for Rochdale boss James McNulty, who ended up on the losing side.

Robbie Savage's Forest Green made four substitutions in the first minute of their National League Cup tie last month. Image: Getty

Savage defended his decision to make four subs in the opening minute.

"It is quite complicated, it is within the rules," he said on Sky Sports.

"Those players didn’t warm up and the subs who knew they were coming on were part of the warm-up.

"The other four walked onto the pitch, when the ball went out, they went off, got changed and went home.

"The bottom line is we have won both games. We had seven academy players in the squad and we won. We are respecting the competition."