Erik ten Hag, strategically decided to change up his lineup for the FA Cup match against West Ham.
This was viewed as an essential decision following contestsagainst Barcelona. Then Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that he selected his lineup for the FA Cup match with an eye towards United’s challenging away game against Liverpool on Sunday.
He claimed it was all part of his strategy. He said after the game that the upcoming game also affected his decision to start Marcus Rashford and Casemiro.
In his post-game interview, Erik ten Hag stated that he had always intended to insert Casemiro and Rashford.
He explained that this was done to maintain their focus before the encounter at Anfield on Sunday.
Ten Hag told the club website: “I planned to bring them on. Because I think it was good for the player.”
“To stay in the rhythm, players love that. You get energy from it and they needed to bring the performance every time again.”
“You can rest them for 45 minutes, but some minutes they needed for this Sunday.”
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Erik Ten Hag and his special strategy
Even if Ten Hag had not intended to utilise the duo, he would have had to given the state of the game.
Without Casemiro and Rashford, United was less effective and might have lost the cup match.
With a header that was disallowed for offside, Casemiro threatened from set pieces and assisted United in taking more control of the middle.
The mere presence of Marcus Rashford distracted West Ham’s defenders and gave Alejandro Garnacho additional room to cause some injury.
Prior to the encounter at Anfield, Ten Hag was aware that Rashford and Casemiro needed the ideal combination of rest and game action.
Everything worked out wonderfully, and the team kept up its momentum thanks to their contribution to the victory over West Ham.
For the crucial game this weekend, Rashford and Casemiro are even more focused. A victory there will go a long way towards ensuring Champions League participation for the upcoming campaign.
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