Erik ten Hag raised eyebrows with his team selection yesterday when he opted to leave Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon on the bench against Manchester City.
The Red Devils conceded an early penalty in the 26th minute after Rasmus Hojlund fouled Rodri in the area during a corner. After a VAR check confirmed the spot-kick, it was swiftly converted by Erling Haaland.
From then, City asserted their dominance with little to no fight from United in return, adding to their lead in the 49th minute – through Haaland again – and finally, in the 80th minute when Phil Foden wrapped up their 3-0 victory on the road.
Given City’s threat on the attack and how Pep Guardiola sets up his side to play, fans were left bewildered to leave four-time Champions League winner Varane out of the starting 11, and instead deploy 35-year-old Jonny Evans.
Similarly, Victor Lindelof was played out of position at left-back when Reguilon, who naturally occupies that role, only entered the fray in the closing stages of the game.
Ten Hag explains tactical change
Post-match, when quizzed on his choices, Ten Hag said (via ManUtd.com): “When you face City, they will go up to press, then to play with Rapha and Maguire over the left, that can be giving problems and you end up only kicking long balls. And for me, he’s better on the right, Harry, especially against teams who press high. And second to this, you have to step in over that side; that was our tactic, to step in over [Julian] Alvarez, to get Sofyan [Amrabat] higher to get the press on them higher up.”
