Reds boss facing test in his trust for bench
TEN HAG’S STRONG LINE-UP AGAINST READING SIGNALS HIS LACK OF BELIEF IN SQUAD OPTIONS
IT seemed like a signal of intent from Erik ten Hag that he fielded an almost full-strength side to face Reading in the FA Cup. Maybe it wasn’t.
United are the second-highest ranked side left in the competition following City’s win over Arsenal at the start of the weekend and have every right to dream of lifting the trophy this season.
Ten Hag has made it his ambition to end United’s trophy drought as it enters its sixth year and that was reflective of the fact he only made one change from the side that eased past Nottingham Forest in midweek.
Just as glaring, though, was the fact that it seemed to signal Ten Hag’s lack of belief in his reserve options, given that he relied on so many big-hitters to start the game against a mid-table Championship side.
It is of course fair to say that United didn’t underestimate their opponents by going so strong, but it was a match that they should have been able to win even had they played a second-string side.
Options were limited at full-back given
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw were both ruled out of the match and though there was a change in the centre-back pairing with Harry Maguire playing alongside Victor Lindelof, it seemed rather needless to go so strong elsewhere.
A midfield trio of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes has been the basis for the gradual revival this season, but it is one that needs to be used sparingly in the weeks ahead given just how packed the fixture schedule is.
Eriksen’s form has suffered when he has been overrelied upon this season and this certainly seemed like a suitable occasion for him to have a breather to stay fresh for the tougher tests ahead. For a game of this magnitude, there was certainly scope for one change, with Fred not really a downgrade against second-tier opposition, even if he has often been exposed in matches where the onus is on United to attack.
There was also a case for a change up front, as Ten Hag stuck with the strongest front line available, when perhaps he would have benefited more from giving
There was a case for change up front, as Ten Hag stuck with the strongest front line available Richard Fay
those in reserve a chance to build confidence. In the end, it was a gamble that largely paid off, though it was telling that Ten Hag still waited until the game was sealed before he made extensive changes to his side.
It was no surprise that he snatched at the chance to make the first one as soon as his side had taken the lead, with the rather quiet Eriksen replaced by Fred.
A second would soon follow, as would a second yellow for Andy Carroll and, when Fred made it a three-goal cushion, it was the signal for more wholesale changes to take place.
Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri were introduced from the bench and, in the wake of Reading’s consolation goal, Anthony Elanga and Kobbie Mainoo came on, a reminder that there is plenty of raw talent to be called upon at some point.
What is clear is that Ten Hag does not yet fully trust them all and would prefer to put them into action when he believes a result is secure, so they can play with freedom rather than pressure.
The ultimate test of his trust lies in the days ahead. United head into their midweek second-leg against Forest with another comfortable cushion and this time there is a real argument to make changes from the start.
United have enough options; now they need to use them.