has defended his substitution of Rasmus Hojlund during ’s defeat to on Sunday, a decision that was met with boos by the home fans at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were in a one-sided 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 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.
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.
‘ 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.’
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.’
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