Ten Hag highlights importance of squad depth
With injuries looming, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag emphasizes the importance of having depth on the roster after their win over Nottingham Forest.
In Manchester United’s game against Nottingham Forest, the Red Devils were without their first center-back, both left-backs, and an injured top scorer. Tyrell Malacia was out, plus several defenders including Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, and Lisandro Martinez. Macel Sabitzer had to be taken out last minute and replaced with Christian Eriksen. And yet, United came away with a 2-0 win.
Key to United success
Along with Eriksen, United had Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the midfield, a trio that has not lost a single game they’ve played together. Of the 17 games in which those three were part of the starting XI, they won 15 and tied two. Against Forest, Eriksen and Fernandes combined for 83 successful passes in the opposition half (Forest made just 66).
Antony scored the opening goal and Diogo Dalot started at left (in place of Malacia) and ended up getting his 100th goal to put United up 2-0. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof replaced Varane and Martinez and defended well against their opponents. This win was United’s 11th win in which Maguire started.
“Last week, we had nine top, fit defenders. Today, we had four,” said ten Hag after the game. “So we need the numbers, especially because we are one of the few teams who are in three competitions in Europe.”
This win gives hope to United after their 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals. They play the second leg this Thursday. On Sunday, they will play Brighton in the FA Cup semifinals.
“Today is one step. We proved we can also perform really well with those players,” said ten Hag. “Thursday, we have to go again and Sunday, we have to go again.”
The victory over Nottingham Forest moved Manchester United up to third place in the Premier League, six points clear of Tottenham in fifth with one game in hand.