Why Ten Hag substituted Hojlund vs Man City

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag in a post-match statement defended his action to replace striker Rasmus Højlund midway through the second half of their 3-0 loss to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A highlight from the game saw Ten Hag substitute Hojlund with Alejandro Garnacho, with the scoreline at 2-0, a decision, which was greeted with loud boos from the Red Devils fans inside Old Trafford.

But Ten Hag, speaking after the game, said: “I have to protect Rasmus Højlund, and I have to protect the team.

“He is putting so much effort in pressing, going in the transitions, going the long ways, fighting a tough opposition.

“He is not used to it—three games in a week, so I have to protect him and the team, to bring some energy in. We have bench players, Mason Mount and [Alejandro] Garnacho, we know he can change games.”