Erik's tactical breakdown of our win over Leeds

Sunday 12 February 2023 17:40

Manchester United's 2-0 away win at Leeds was a match which saw plenty of tactical tweaks from Reds boss Erik ten Hag.

Luke Shaw, once more, played at centre-back while forward Wout Weghorst dropped into an unfamiliar midfield role later in the match too. Tyrell Malacia's selection and position was also carefully explained by the boss.

Following the win, the Dutchman offered an insight into his decisions, which aided the Reds in coming away from Elland Road with a positive result.

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"I want to play my full-back inside," he said, during a series of interviews with the official rights holders. "In my perspective, the best at that is Tyrell Malacia and I think he did well in the first half.

"I think, in possession, he was maybe one of the only players who played in a good level in the first 60 minutes but, because we make such mistakes, I chose to change there and made the subs who worked out very well. 

"Ty [played] in the midfield and then [played] on the outside: he was really good with the ball, stopping [Crysencio] Summerville, except in one moment, but for the rest, I think he played a really good game."

 

Later in the match, Weghorst moved into the no.10 role, with Marcus Rashford going central to accommodate the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho.

Erik says he trusted the Netherlands international to perform well in the advanced midfield position, and Wout ended up assisting Garnacho's goal - which made it 2-0 on the day, after earlier clearing a ball from deep inside his own box.

"Wout, as a second striker, a no.10. I know him from [his] youth that he can play there," Ten Hag said. "With Bruno [Fernandes] on the right and Garnacho on the left, it was a dynamic to change the game and I think we can benefit from it.

"I think Rashford as a striker, Wout on the no.10 position and Bruno on the right brought more composure to our game."

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