Erik ten Hag reveals reason behind strange Man United substitution vs Liverpool

Erik ten Hag explained why he decided to substitute Alejandro Garnacho against Liverpool during Manchester United’s 2-2 Premier League draw.

Alejandro Garnacho has been a man on fire under Erik ten Hag this season, with the Manchester United forward scoring multiple crucial goals for the Dutchman during his first season as a starting winger.

Garnacho has now made 30 appearances from the start across all competitions for the Old Trafford club, firmly establishing himself as a high-level talent across both the Premier League and European football.

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Despite his two goals against Chelsea last week, Garnacho was taken off against Liverpool in the 80th minute as he was not making much of an impact in the game. He was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat.

Speaking to reporters after the fixture, Ten Hag explained that he decided to take Garnacho off, to the confusion of some fans, as the Argentine international “wasn’t in the game” due to his tiredness.

“Today Alejandro wasn’t his game,” he told reporters. “He wasn’t that fresh as he can usually be, he always had some decisive moments in games.

“He was tired, we are winning at that moment, they went more offensive in that period, to bring more control in the centre of the midfield.”

After his two goals against Chelsea, Garnacho became the highest goal-contributing teenager in the Premier League this season with his seven goals and three assists.

He has firmly established himself as a potent winger on both the right and left wings. He did score against Liverpool just two minutes in but was flagged offside.