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Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has explained why Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund were substituted against Burnley on Saturday (April 27). The pair came off the pitch early in the 1-1 draw in the Premier League. The Dutch manager's game management has been called into question recently and the former Ajax boss felt the need to clarify his decisions publicly.
The Manchester United boss revealed that fear of injury forced him to take the talented duo off the pitch in the game. Speaking about the substitutions, ten Hag said (via Manchester United's official website):
"Rasmus Hojlund had more injuries already in the course of this season. Kobbie also had some injuries. So I don't want them to get injured. I protected them as well. So there are more reasons to make the subs but I understand that the fans, they want to see the skills those players are bringing and contribute to the team. I understand that but I have to do my job and that is the right decision."
Manchester United's season could have been much worse without the output of Hojlund and Mainoo. The Carrington academy graduate has burst through to become one of the first names on the teamsheet and a stable presence in midfield. Hojlund has rediscovered his scoring touch and integrated himself fully into the Red Devils attack.
Erik ten Hag will hope the pair is fit and available for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag urges patience
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged everyone associated with the club to be patient in the midst of their poor campaign. The Red Devils have been below par all season, particularly in the Premier League, where they look close to matching their worst league finish.
The League Cup-winning manager, however, has urged fans to be patient, saying (via France 24):
"I am very impatient but there we need patience and fans, they need patience," he said. "We built here a team, and they need experience. The great Manchester United team, we forget they were also built. I have seen I think in 2004/05 they also didn't play that great football."
"They were building, and it takes time, but everyone forgets, even the players who were by that time in the team, they forget they were struggling and that they needed time to progress."
It remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag's plea for patience will be answered. The former Eredivisie champion is widely expected to lose his job in the summer after a disappointing second season at Old Trafford.
