Needed to make Garnacho sub due to tactical and injury issues, says Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has defended his decision to take off Alejandro Garnacho during his side’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Red Devils went behind twice at the Vitality Stadium but managed to recover both times thanks to goals from captain Bruno Fernandes.

The Man United manager subbed off the Argentina international at half-time, which frustrated the United faithful.

The Dutchman defended his decision, saying he had tactical and injury-related concerns in mind to make that call, as quoted by Eurosport.

“I think we had to repair the right side. We didn’t play well, the spaces were there in possession and we had to bring a sub there.

“Garnacho was, during the week, also not training. Only yesterday [he trained]. So, we thought bring some energy and bring some more quality, quality in the sense of cooperation, togetherness on that right side.”

Ten Hag speaking about the Garnacho sub after the game

🔴 Ten Hag: "Players gave everything, their maximum. But some of them are young, inexperienced and it's difficult to do it game after game in Premier League".

"It's difficult, but they have to deal with it".

"Garnacho had a problem coming out at halftime? No". pic.twitter.com/6Aszd9QrAd

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2024

United have dropped further points in their bid to secure a Champions League place for next season, failing to capitalise on Spurs’ 4-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United, who have now also entered the mix for Champions League football for next season.

Up next for United is a trip to Wembley as they face Championship side Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.

Explanations rarely save you when results don’t follow

Erik ten Hag can provide all the reasoning he wants for the decisions he makes. Fans won’t have an issue as long as the results keep coming in.

The results haven’t come in this season, and they did not on Saturday either, so here we are again, questioning the manager.

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• “We didn’t take our chances”- Bournemouth boss bemoans dropped points vs Manchester United

United had a golden chance to bring the distance to the top four under ten points and they failed to capitalise on it, further demonstrating their unworthiness to play in the top-tier UEFA division next season.