Erik ten Hag explains thinking behind heavily-rotated United side with seven changes vs. Palace

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, speaks to the media prior to the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester United at Turf Moor on September 23, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag has deployed a heavily-rotated starting line-up this evening as Manchester United begin their Carabao Cup defence against Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils are on home turf for the third-round tie, with the squad now undergoing their final preparations and warm-ups ahead of the 8pm kick-off.

Sofyan Amrabat makes his full debut, though it’s in a different role than fans were likely expecting, as an injury to Sergio Reguilon has seemingly forced the Moroccan into taking a stint as a fullback.

Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have returned from their respective injuries to partner one another in central defence, as has Mason Mount, who starts in midfield.

Hannibal Mejbri makes his third start for the club and fellow youngsters Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho are deployed on each flank. Anthony Martial leads the line.

Ten Hag explains team selection

The manager was quizzed on the changes ahead of the game while speaking to MUTV.

 “To win the game [was my thinking] – it’s always about that. Of course, you look also to freshness, to manage the load of the players and finally, it’s about winning this game.”

On Mount and Maguire returning to the fold, he said: “It’s important for the team because many games are coming up, we need a full squad, we need competition and you can make choices from a tactical perspective.”

“He’s a midfielder,” Ten Hag continued regarding Amrabat’s position. “But previously, he also played as a fullback – I think a while ago.

“At Fiorentina, he was really settled. At Morocco, he was the big man in the World Cup, one of the best players of the World Cup in the position of a midfielder, as a holding midfielder. But he can play in the position, he is a warrior. He will fight for the best for United, I’m sure.”

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