Erik ten Hag explains why he took Hannibal off at half-time against Galatasaray

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to take Hannibal Mejbri off at half-time against Galatasaray.

Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was recalled to the team for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

The 20-year-old looked comfortable in midfield, working tirelessly, and it was a surprise to see him replaced at half-time.

Former star Paul Scholes told TNT Sports that Hannibal ‘must be injured’ to have come off. It doesn’t seem like that was the case.

Erik ten Hag explains Hannibal substitution

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained in his post-match interview that the decision was a tactical change.

He believed Christian Eriksen could have a greater impact on the ball and help the team out.

Ten Hag said, asked about an injury: “No, I felt he [Hannibal] played well but I wanted some passing capabilities in the midfield area, that’s why we brought Christian Eriksen in.”

How the change went

It is worth pointing out Hannibal is a very strong passer, when he gets the ball, however, his role in this United team is not especially possession-based, his work off the ball is just as valuable, while Eriksen can produce more volume.

The numbers back that up. Eriksen completed 30 passes to Hannibal’s 15, creating three goalscoring chances.

The clearest cut opportunity saw a superb one-touch pass put Marcus Rashford through on goal, before he got it all wrong.

Whether Eriksen did enough defensively, was another matter. Once Casemiro was sent off, United were really in trouble, going onto concede the winning goal.