Erik ten Hag says there was one tactical choice which did not work in Manchester derby

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Erik ten Hag got nearly every call right for Manchester United in the derby win over Manchester City.

We say ‘nearly’ every call, because by Ten Hag’s own admission, not every choice he made turned out to be the right one.

Speaking to club media, Ten Hag explained that after substituting Antony on for injured Anthony Martial as a direct replacement, did not really work out.

The manager made another tactical shift, after United went 1-0 down, turning the game around to win 2-1.

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One tactical choice which did not work

Anthony Martial’s injury saw him withdrawn at half-time, and Manchester United lacked options on the bench.

Antony came on to lead the line, and this led to City’s best spell of the game. Ten Hag had to shift it around, taking off Christian Eriksen, moving Rashford up front, Antony back to the right, and Alejandro Garnacho on the left.

The manager explained: “We had to sub Martial and then we played with Antony as the striker. It didn’t work as he’s better on the right side, obviously.

“In the first half, Bruno was brilliant, on the right, on the left, in and out of possession. In the striker position, I wanted to change it just before the goal came and to bring Antony dos Santos over to the right.”

Ten Hag was shrewd enough to see that the experiment had not worked, and was able to correct it, with United winning the game.

Martial’s injury was a real nightmare for United, after Wout Weghorst was not registered in time for the derby.

The Dutchman should be available against Crystal Palace in midweek, which minimises any disruption caused if Martial has to miss a game or two.

It does not sound as like Ten Hag will be keen to try Anthony up front again, it’s not in the winger’s skill set. He is better when able to track back and help the team, giving the side more shape and width.