Erik ten Hag has explained why he decided to substitute Alejandro Garnacho in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Argentina international winger was replaced after 79 minutes with Ten Hag opting to bring on Sofyan Amrabat in a tactical switch to protect United’s 2-1 lead.
It didn’t work, though, as Liverpool equalised in the 84th minute via a Mohamed Salah penalty to leave Old Trafford with a point.
‘First today, Alejandro, it wasn’t his game,’ Ten Hag said after the match, while the Dutchman also played down how many shots his side conceded.
‘[Garnacho] wasn’t that fresh as he can usually be, where he also always had some decisive moments in games.
‘He was tired, absolutely. And then we are winning in that moment in the game, we had problems, they weren’t more offensive, they made subs in that period and to bring more control in the centre of midfield we brought on Sofyan Amrabat.’
Meanwhile, Ten Hag also shared his thoughts on the performance of young centre-back Willy Kambwala.
‘We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant,’ Ten Hag added.
‘I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.
‘Now it’s the challenge for him to do it consistently because, in the coming weeks, they will not return, so many players. So it’s a great opportunity for him.’
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