Erik ten Hag suggests that “very good” Man United tactic could return this season

Erik ten Hag has suggested that a “very good” Manchester United tactic could return this coming season.

Ten Hag opted to start Bruno Fernandes as the striker in United’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, with Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo flanking him.

Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench in the second half and scored the opener, quickly advanced down the right wing, cutting inside on his weaker left foot and sliding the ball past Ederson.

The Argentine excelled during his cameo, which was reminiscent of the impact he often made during the 2022/23 campaign when mostly used as a substitute.

Unfortunately, his goal was cancelled out minutes before the full-time whistle, and Pep Guardiola’s men came out on top in the penalty shootout.

There were still major positives to take from the game for Ten Hag’s side, especially the performance of Garnacho from the bench.

He was United’s most effective in-game weapon two seasons ago but quickly picked up a starting role last term as he became United’s most dangerous forward.

With further depth and quality in the frontline, with Amad breaking through and Joshua Zirkzee being signed, Garnacho could – at points – return to the bench to become a threatening in-game change for Ten Hag.

“We needed fresh players [in the wide areas], players to start,” explained Ten Hag when asked why Garnacho started the game on the bench.

“But also to bring Alejandro [off the bench], he is always a very good sub – that is in the back [of your mind].

“He did very well, he came in, and I think the plan went how we thought it should go. It’s disappointing we couldn’t bring it over the line.”

Garnacho will likely be starting a lot of games this season, but hopefully, we can also see how dangerous he can be when coming off the bench.

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