Erik ten Hag explains how he tactically outclassed Pep Guardiola in Man United’s 2-1 win over Man City

Erik ten Hag’s managerial performance against Manchester City was one of his best so far for Manchester United as The Reds came out on top against Pep Guardiola’s side.

United controlled the opening half of football, limiting City’s attacking threat (zero shots on target) and creating dangerous chances of their own.

Anthony Martial was key to United’s success in that period, with his pressing and link-up play helping The Reds succeed in their game plan. His lack of sharpness, due to injury, forced him off at the interval.

“I knew the start would be so important in this game, especially because he is really good with his pressing and he is a really big element in our pressing, and he did that really well before half-time,” said Ten Hag. “But also you saw he was not capable to go 100 per cent and that’s what you need. Also, to avoid [him] getting injured, we took him off. But it also had an impact on our game, a negative impact after half-time.”

Following the break, Ten Hag replaced the Frenchman with Antony and the Brazilian played through the middle. The idea might’ve been that his pressing is also intelligent but it led to United losing control and eventually conceding.

However, ultimately Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction sparked the comeback for United. But Ten Hag detailed the role of Bruno Fernandes, who was operating from the wings rather than his familiar number ten position, as crucial in the win for United.

“The idea was, with Bruno on the right wing, especially in defending, but he defended, I think, as usual. But in possession, he had a role to come in between the lines to bring an extra player there, to bring the opponent problems in hesitation and confusion.

“I think he played that role really brilliantly on the right and on the left also. I think the rest of the team adapted well to the situation and I think we had really good breaks by finding the free man. Bruno was an important factor in that role and he was important to the pressing as well, I think.

“I didn’t know he was [Sky’s] Man of the Match, but he was my Man of the Match, definitely, Bruno Fernandes.”

It was a decision that was highlighted before the game, with Antony dropping to the bench. However, by the fact that Bruno found space constantly to spring breaks for United (one being to Garnacho, leading to the winning goal), it was clearly a great move from Ten Hag.

Against Guardiola, who claimed before the game that he had ‘ridiculous’ tactical ideas for the encounter, Ten Hag was the one who was one step ahead.