Erik ten Hag Manchester United manager has explained why he deployed Bruno Fernandes as a winger in their win over Manchester City in the Premier League last week.
Manchester United and Manchester City squared off in a Premier League fixture on Saturday, and the Red Devils earned all three points from the fixture, defeating the defending league champions.
The Old Trafford outfit came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. After Jack Grealish sent Manchester City ahead on the hour mark, Bruno Fernandes scored a controversial goal in the 78th minute to restore parity for Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford then scored in the 82nd minute to send Manchester United ahead in the game and inflict a defeat on Pep Guardiola and co.
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Erik ten Hag explains the decision to field Bruno Fernandes as a winger in the defeat of Manchester City
Erik ten Hag has now explained why he fielded Bruno Fernandes as a winger in their Premier League clash with Manchester City.
“The idea with Bruno on the right wing and especially in defending, we defended as usual but in possession, he had a role to come in between the lines to bring an extra player there and bring the opponent problems and create hesitation and confusion and I thought he played that role brilliantly,” Erik ten Hag said.
“The rest of the team adapted well to the situation and we had perfect breaks by finding the free man. Bruno was an important factor in that role and important in the pressing as well. I didn’t know he was man of the match but he was my man of the match, definitely.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United moved to within a point of Manchester City with their win in the Manchester derby. The Red Devils now have 38 points from 18 matches in the Premier League and they sit fourth, behind Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle United.
Arsenal enjoys a nine-point lead over Manchester United with 47 points from 18 matches. Manchester City, meanwhile, have 39 points from 18 matches. Newcastle United have 38 points but the Magpies have played 19 matches.
In their next game, Manchester United will take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The match between the two sides kicks off at 1:30 am Indian Standard Time, on January 19.
