Published on 05/11/2023
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag says he has been forced into making so many changes at half-time on every game played recently because he needs to ‘let the team play better’.
The Dutchman has made changes at the halfway point in United’s last six matches.
Casemiro was an enforced change at the break against Newcastle United on Wednesday with Sofyan Amrabat replaced by Mason Mount at the same stage in last Sunday’s derby defeat.
The Moroccan was also hauled off after 45 minutes against Copenhagen 11 days ago with Christian Eriksen brought on as United chased down a goal to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
The pattern of changes has led to questions over ten Hag’s faith in his starting XI with the United boss convinced many of his decisions have paid off for the better.
Asked about the trend of half-time changes, ten Hag told reporters on Friday: ‘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.’
Asked if they are a result of getting his starting XI wrong, he added: ‘I don’t think that is the case but also you have to play out of the result.
‘If you are leading, if it’s a draw or if you are losing, it is also about that. About game management.’
Ten Hag is under mounting pressure following heavy defeats at home to City and Newcastle with Saturday’s trip to Fulham viewed as a must-win game for the Dutchman.
‘They want to put this right,’ ten Hag said.
‘We know the standards here and we have to make those standards every day. We will fight back. The players are strong, the coaches are strong and the manager is strong.’
Never miss a beat throughout the season or transfer window with weekly Manchester United news updates, exclusives and analysis.
