Erik ten Hag spoke to reporters after Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat against Brighton on Saturday when he revealed that Mason Mount reported an issue at half-time before being substituted.
The Reds were losing 1-0 following a Danny Welbeck opener when Joshua Zirkzee replaced Mount, who had played well in the opening 45 minutes.
Ten Hag’s substitute caused a degree of confusion. Mount wasn’t one of the first players I would’ve taken off, but now we have more clarity on the situation.
The manager told reporters that it was not a tactical move but a case of not taking a risk on Mount’s fitness.
“It was forced,” Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference, as quoted by ManUtd.com. “He mentioned an issue and I don’t want to take the risk with him.
“I don’t know how much of a worry it is, I can’t say at this moment. But I think, when we have the good bench, and we can bring in Zirkzee, then don’t hesitate. Bring Mount off and bring [on] a player who can have an impact.”
Ten Hag told TNT Sports in a separate interview: “It was a decision, he had some problems and he had an issue. We know the history of Mason, so we took him out.”
Ultimately, Ten Hag made a wise decision. Mount’s first season at United was hampered by injuries and we don’t want a repeat of that. Not when he could do with building a bit of momentum.
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ETH is not a good manager the way he planned for 1st team line -up vs Brighton.In 1st half no genuine number 9 upfront not until he played Zirkzee. Bruno is good for number 10 where he is good in feeding the forwards. He even substitued him in the 2nd half which is wrong cos the team need a player like Bruno who can feed or planned for the forward. ETH should replace Rashford earlier or dont played him . Gunarcho is far better than him. Its pointless for MU to buy a striker which ETH put on the bench. Better by a midfielder and play as force nine, ETH is an old school coach.