Erik ten Hag defends Rasmus Hojlund substitution during Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City

Erik ten Hag has defended his substitution of Rasmus Hojlund during Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, a decision that was met with boos by the home fans at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were comfortably beaten 3-0 by their local rivals in a one-sided Premier League clash thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and a third from Phil Foden.

Ten Hag is dealing with a lot of injuries, but his decisions during the match were in question as he rolled the dice on his substiutions.

Sofyan Amrabat Substitution

Sofyan Amrabat was replaced by Mason Mount at half-time in an aggressive move from Ten Hag and it didn’t pay off as City dominated the second half.

Rasmus Hojlund Substitution

However, it was the removal of Hojlund on 73 minutes, replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, which was poorly received by the Old Trafford faithful.

The Dutchman’s decision created boos from the stands, but he says it was necessary after a busy schedule for the Danish striker and a tough ask of him to press City hard all game.

‘Rasmus Hojlund is playing every game and he’s not used to it,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports. ‘Against City four players have to work very hard to get the press on. You have to protect those players as well, and for the team you have to protect them to get new energy on the pitch.’

On his substitutions, he added in speaking to the BBC: ‘You try to get more offensive and you see we worked very hard and brought in new energy, but it was impossible at that point, 3-0 down with five minutes left to play.’

Roy Keane’s Criticism

Red Devils legend Roy Keane was not impressed with the half-time change, believing the removal of Amrabat left United exposed against the champions.

‘It wasn’t good from United, brilliant from City,’ the Irishman told Sky Sports. ‘There was no need for United to be that open at the start of the second half.’

Conclusion

Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Hojlund was met with boos from the Old Trafford faithful, but he believes it was necessary given the Dane’s busy schedule and the tough ask of pressing City hard all game. Red Devils legend Roy Keane criticised Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Amrabat at half-time, believing it left United exposed against the champions. Ultimately, it was a difficult afternoon for Ten Hag and Manchester United against their local rivals.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.