Erik ten Hag has explained why he substituted centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez late in Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle.
It was a peculiar, unexpected substitution as Manchester United looked to get back into game away at Newcastle.
At 1-0 down, United made a triple change in the 83rd minute, bringing on Fred, Facundo Pellistri and Victor Lindelof.
As part of the change he took off both centre-backs, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, in addition to Scott McTominay.
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Ten Hag explains substitutions
Erik ten Hag‘s decision did not pay off. Manchester United conceded a second goal to lose 2-0, with Victor Lindelof beaten to a header.
The Manchester United manager explained that his decision was a tactical gamble, throwing caution to the wind.
He told BBC Sport: “In the end we were losing so we decided to go with three at the back and play an extra offensive player and I decided to take both centre-backs off with Lindelof to defend the spaces.”
Elaborating, via The Athletic, Ten Hag said: “It was at the end. You risk everything. Go one against one in the back, bring off your two centre-halves, bring a fresh one in, who can defend with space on his back and bring an extra player in offence. You hope to turn the game, you have to try it.”
Ten Hag’s substitutions have been very good this season and have at times turned games in the team’s favour.
Part of that has been because he is prepared to gamble, and be attacking. It sometimes just doesn’t work.
Three at the back is not a tactic he has used much at all, and isn’t likely to be a fix he tries again in a hurry.
Lisandro Martinez looked annoyed to be substituted, and that’s his desire and will to win shining through.
He had been excellent throughout the game, and will almost certainly start the team’s next match at home to Brentford in midweek.
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