Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained that he makes half-time substitutions to assist the team in winning the game.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag elucidated the reason behind making frequent half-time substitutions this season. The United boss used half-time to make tactical and personnel changes frequently to have a positive impact on the game.
The Red Devils are enduring a disastrous season as they have lost eight out of 15 games in all competitions. United have only managed to score 20 goals while conceding 26 goals as they face problems in many positions.
Ten Hag has had to manage an injury crisis and address the consistently poor performances of his most dependable players, with captain Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford facing constant criticism for their underwhelming displays this season.
Ten Hag informed the reporters (h/t Metro) that he implements half-time substitutions to aid the team in securing a victory. He said:
“You want to let the team play better. We have a squad and when I think the team needs a change to win the game then you make the change. I think some were very good and changed the game in our favour and yeah, because we have that squad so we have to use that squad.”
United appointed Ten Hag during the summer of 2022 after his successful reign at Ajax which earned him global recognition. The Red Devils backed the Dutchman by giving him the final say in player’s recruitment.
Ten Hag enjoyed the first season as he guided the Manchester giants to the third position in the Premier League. Aside from earning the Champions League qualification, the Dutchman ended a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.
However, the Red Devils surprised fans and experts alike as they suffered a nightmare start to the current season.
United won three consecutive games before losing back-to-back matches at Old Trafford. However, the victories lacked convincing performances against teams that a top club like United should dominate.
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The home losses against Manchester City and Newcastle United have exposed the biggest problem Ten Hag is facing. The 53-year-old’s senior team lacks chemistry, balance, and a dominant style of play which makes them very non-threatening and vulnerable.
We think that Ten Hag cannot continuously rely on making early substitutions to change the outcome of the game. The frequent decision further shows that the Dutchman is finding it hard to find balance in the team. The Dutchman need his squad to start playing as a collective instead of a bunch of individuals hoping for a moment of brilliance.
