“Interests of the team”- Erik ten Hag outlines reasoning behind bizarre substitution vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag outlines the reasoning behind Alejandro Garnacho substitution vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has outlined the reasoning behind his recent bizarre substitution of talented wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho in the team’s recent game against Crystal Palace, as quoted by Metro.

The young midfielder was brought on in the 59th minute, but was taken off in the 87th minute due to a red card received by midfielder Casemiro. Ten Hag explained that the substitution was made to adjust the team’s tactics.

The Manchester United manager stressed the importance of being able to adapt to the situation on the field and making the necessary changes for the benefit of the team. He explained that the substitution was not an easy decision to make.

The substitution involved taking off a player who had just been brought on, but it was necessary to ensure the team’s success. Ten Hag also emphasised that the player must accept the substitution and understand that it is in the best interests of the team.

Ten Hag went on to describe the tactical considerations that went into the substitution, such as how the team would need to close gaps and be compact, while still maintaining a threat in attack.

“First we had to see how they changed, then you have to anticipate and see how we can close, how to be compact, how we close the gaps, how we get away from our goal but also still have a threat in attack”

“I think we had to change something. It’s not always nice bringing off a player who we brought on but it’s in the interests of the team and the player has to accept that”

The Manchester United boss’ decision to substitute Garnacho was a bold one, but it paid off as the team was able to secure the win against Crystal Palace. This is just one example of Ten Hag’s strategic thinking and his ability to make difficult decisions for the benefit of the team.

It was a very tricky game for Man United to see out. After a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, it needed defensive resilience to see out the game as 10 men against the Eagles.

Ten Hag’s explanation of the substitution highlights the important role that coaches play in the success of a team. They must be able to make tough decisions, and in this case, sacrifice a talented player for the benefit of the team.

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Garnacho is young but he should understand. Leaving him out on the pitch at the risk of a draw is not worth it. He will get his chance.