Erik ten Hag explains importance of Tyrell Malacia & Diogo Dalot ahead of Man United clash vs Everton in FA Cup

Erik ten Hag has explained the importance of his full-backs, Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot, ahead of Manchester United’s third-round FA Cup tie against Everton on Friday evening.

The Reds are looking to make it seven wins in a row, with Frank Lampard’s side void of confidence currently.

Ten Hag has picked a strong line-up to face The Blues and has both Malacia and Dalot starting on the flanks.

He detailed the different attributes that the pair will bring to the side whilst they are in possession of the ball.

“In Ty and Dalot we have two fullbacks who can come into midfield, who can make overlaps and make underlaps,” the manager explained on MUTV. “We need that dynamic in our build-up and possession.”

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, who scored against Bournemouth on Tuesday, has been moved back across to the centre of defence alongside Raphael Varane. It will be his third start in a defensive partnership with the Frenchman since the return from the World Cup.

“It’s a technical choice,” Ten Hag added when asked about Shaw starting in the middle. “He’s constructed a very good centre-back [relationship] with Rapha [Varane] and also Tyrell Malacia looks really strong, so I want to keep that.”

The manager has left three centre-backs on the bench for the game. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez will all be prepared to come into the game.