Erik ten Hag explains why he took Rasmus Hojlund off in Man Utd defeat to City

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is trying to protect striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Rasmus Hojlund continues his search for a Premier League goal after a luckless performance against Manchester City.

The Dane endured a difficult afternoon on his Manchester derby debut, and was substituted off in the 73rd minute.

Erik ten Hag says he is trying to think long term, and is wary about playing Hojlund a little too much.

Ten Hag on Hojlund

Ten Hag told Sky Sports that he is trying to manage Hojlund’s minutes, and that he also wanted to utilise his attacking options from the bench.

United were 2-0 down at the time of the substitution and went on to lose the game 3-0.

The manager explained: “Rasmus is playing every game and he is not used to it. We had to work very hard to get the press on.

“You have to protect the players and get new energy on the pitch.”

“The game plan was good. It is changing the game. You are losing and you have to act as a manager, especially when you have a bench. You have to use it to get more offensive power on the pitch.”

Pragmatic decision

Factored into Erik ten Hag’s thinking may have been the upcoming Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle.

Ten Hag likely wants Hojlund to start in this fixture, another potential reason why he did not play all 90 minutes against City.

The Dane was lively in the first half against City, involved in some good build-up play and counter-attacking moments, but as the second half wore in, he faded.