Reasons for Erik ten Hag Gambling Not Changing the Line Up Vs Real Betis After Liverpool Slaughtered
Erik ten Hag made a surprising decision when Manchester United (MU) beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of the top 16 of the 2022/2023 Europa League, at Old Trafford Stadium, Friday (10/3/2023) early morning WIB. He decided not to change the composition of the team after the 0-7 stifling defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
The MU manager has a special reason behind this decision. He felt the starting XI was the best line-up to win the game.
After the disastrous result against Liverpool, Ten Hag told fans that such performances could no longer be tolerated. MU promised to try to get up in the next game.
Many people predict the Dutchman will overhaul his line-up greatly to avoid a similar defeat against Real Betis. However, MU fans were even surprised.
The Ten Hag changed nothing. He still believes in his players after the disaster at Liverpool headquarters last weekend.
Comments by Erik ten Hag
“We want to win, so we need to look good. So, we think this team is the best to present maximum performance and win the match,” said Ten Hag, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“The players have a chance for rehabilitation, but we are considering this game. This game is the most important and we choose the team that has the best chance of winning the game.”
“We lowered our standards in the last two games. On Sunday we were beaten in the second half and we have to return to our standards, values, demands and what we have to bring to the pitch,” added the former Ajax coach.
Kudos to Bruno Fernandes
Erik ten Hag also praised Bruno Fernandes for recovering from the crisis at Anfield and inspiring the Red Devils to victory in the Europa League.
MU beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of the last 16 at Old Trafford, Friday (10/3/2023).
Fernandes was flooded with criticism after MU was humiliated by Liverpool 0-7 in the Premier League last week. Fernandes quickly moved on from the humiliation and performed well.
Fernandes had a hand in Manchester United’s first two goals. He also scored the third goal. “I think he is the best player on the pitch. He shows his personality,” said Ten Hag via Mirror.
Fernandes statistics
In that match, Bruno Fernandes made 95 touches, 5 in the penalty box, created two golden opportunities, 2 shots, 1 goal and 1 assist. That made him perfect in the eyes of the Ten Hag.
“He played a little bit more role tonight and I thought he was brilliant, making plays from behind, lots of good passes between the lines and from there we created a lot of chances,” said Ten Hag.
“He was brilliant today, he led the team from the first minute with his game. In possession, he made rhythm and then he scored, so I’m happy.”