Pranav Kannan
Erik ten Hag lauds substitutes after Manchester United came back to defeat Omonia Nicosia
Speaking in the press conference after Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Omonia Nicosia as quoted by Daily Mail, Man United boss Erik ten Hag has lauded the impact that the substitutes had, coming off the bench as the main reason why the Red Devils managed to secure a win last night.
Man United went into halftime trailing 0-1 after what was a tepid performance from Ten Hag’s side. The team seemed to lack motivation or the drive to make something happen and there was genuine concern about whether the situation could be turned around.
When the team came out for the second half, the Dutchman decided to make two changes. Marcus Rashford replaced Jadon Sancho on the left flank and Luke Shaw came on for Tyrell Malacia, with the latter responsible for the first goal that the Red Devils conceded.
Eventually, the Red Devils managed to turn the situation around and score three goals, with Rashford netting two and Anthony Martial, who was brought on even later in the game netting a goal just a minute after arriving on the pitch. Man United did suffer a late scare though when Omonia scored again but managed to see the game out.
Rashford was simply sensational as a substitute last night as he looks to build up to his peak level. The Englishman has been much improved this season, and his two goals along with the assist for Martial’s goal meant that it was another confident showing from the 24-year-old.
Martial on the other hand is another player who has a lot to prove this season. He had an excellent pre-season but got injured at just the wrong time. Despite this, the Frenchman has made a solid return from injury though, scoring two against Man City last week before following it up with one more strike last night.
Speaking about the impact of the substitutes, ten Hag claimed that they injected much need energy into the team and change things around
“We were too static and we have to make the opposite movement to get behind. That’s why also we make two subs in that time and they had really an impact. ‘I think Luke and Marcus definitely (helped with that) but also Anthony Martial, of course, with 2-1.”
Ten Hag would have been glad that Man United were able to turn things around but it is also an example of the kind of mentality that the Dutch tactician seems to be instilling into his team. A couple of seasons ago, Man United might have crumbled from a similar situation but last night, they held their nerve.
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After the drubbing that they suffered at the hands of Man City last weekend, this win will come as a welcome boost for the Red Devils. They take on Everton in the Premier League this weekend and Ten Hag will be hoping to build on this victory and kickstart another victory streak.
