Erik ten Hag has certainly raised some eyebrows with his team selection for this afternoon’s Manchester derby.
Manchester United will be looking to get one over on their neighbours at the earliest opportunity this season; they oversaw a 2-1 Premier League win at Old Trafford last term, but in June, they lost 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
The Dutchman has deployed a much-rotated starting line-up from the one that faced Copenhagen midweek; Casemiro, who was suspended for the Champions League clash, Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon are notable absentees, though the latter two have been named on the bench.
This means that Jonny Evans, 35, makes his first Old Trafford Manchester derby appearance since October 2011. In the game, he received a red card and United sustained a 6-1 defeat.
Elsewhere, Mason Mount has again been omitted from the starting 11, despite the club parting with £55 million to acquire his signature over the summer. Bruno Fernandes starts on the right wing, as Antony has also been dropped.
Ten Hag explains team selection
Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag explained his thinking behind the changes: “It’s a tactic. That’s not the argument to make the selection [players’ experience], it’s just tactical. That’s the answer.”
Regarding Christian Eriksen’s inclusion, he said: “He’s shown that he is – from the start – also very good. For example, [the] Arsenal game, so you always think with Christian Eriksen [that] he can be decisive; his distribution, his calmness on the ball, [and] he gives options to players. I think that’s what you need against a good side like City, who will press very strongly.
“Still a way to go [for Kobbie Mainoo] but for part of the game, he is ready and that’s good news because we counted on him at the start of the season. He is a midfield player, we can use his capabilities, his physicality, and his taking-the-ball. He’s brave so all those abilities and skills he can contribute to the team.”
