Ten Hag leaves Man Utd fans baffled with 'tactical' changes in Manchester derby

29 October 2023 , 15:30

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Ten Hag leaves Man Utd fans baffled with 'tactical' changes in Manchester derby

Manchester United fans were left stunned by Erik ten Hag's reasoning for starting Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof instead of Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon against Manchester City.

Ten Hag explained ahead of Sunday's derby clash at Old Trafford that his decision to start veteran Evans at centre-back and Lindelof in an unnatural left-back role was "tactical." The United boss added when speaking to MUTV pre-match: "It's tactical. It's not the argument to make their selection [their experience], it's tactical and that's the answer."

Supporters were baffled, though, with one declaring: "I'm not convinced." Another ruthlessly asked: "Is he losing the plot? It feels like he's losing the plot." A third ominously replied: "This isn't going to go well is it…"

Ten Hag also shed light on his decision to start midfielder Christian Eriksen over £55million signing Mason Mount. "[Eriksen has] often shown from the very start that he can be very good, for example the Arsenal game," the Dutch boss declared.

"You always think that he can be decisive, his distribution and calmness on the ball, he gives options and that's what you need against a good side like City who press strongly."

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When asked about academy star Kobbie Mainoo's return to the bench after three months out injured, Ten Hag said: "Still a way to go, but he's ready for a part of the game. That's good news because he's a midfielder player and we can use his capabilities, his physicality, his taking of the ball and he's brave."

Have your say! Do you agree with Erik ten Hag? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Erik ten Hag made a bold decision on his defence (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The decision not to start four-time Champions League winner Varane was certainly a puzzling one, having played 90 minutes against Copenhagen on Tuesday and keeping a clean sheet - albeit by the skin of United's teeth. Reguilon, too, played over an hour at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both still out with long-term injuries.

Ten Hag was pleased with his side's positive start to the game, forcing City to retreat as Lindelof drove forward down the left. Evans' last appearance in a Manchester derby came 12 years ago. The Northern Irish defender - now in his second spell with United - was sent off that day as City famously pulled off a 6-1 win at Old Trafford.

Nathan Ridley