3 Erik ten Hag decisions which won the Manchester derby

Manchester United beat rivals Manchester City with a dramatic comeback at Old Trafford.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford overturned a Jack Grealish opener.

The win moves United just one point behind City in the table, and pending the results in a big week ahead away at Crystal Palace and then Arsenal, a title challenge may yet be on the cards.

This was a big victory for manager Erik ten Hag, who made a number of big calls as his side got one over on Pep Guardiola, exacting revenge for a 6-3 defeat at The Etihad.

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Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
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Three Erik ten Hag decisions which won the derby

Luke Shaw at centre-back: Erik ten Hag has taken a real liking to playing Luke Shaw at centre-back, with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire left on the bench.

It was a shrewd decision, with Shaw imperious at the back as he helped Raphael Varane to shackle Erling Haaland, who managed only 19 touches.

Shaw’s position in central defence saw Tyrell Malacia feature at left-back, and he was excellent too, looking sharp, making key interceptions and winning tackles.

Alejandro Garnacho substitution: Ten Hag has faith in teenager Alejandro Garnacho to make an impact from the bench and the teenager certainly did.

He got in behind the City defence several times, and when he did, he didn’t try to do too much, picking out the pass for Marcus Rashford’s winning goal.

Garnacho is a gem, and Ten Hag put him on at the right time, helping United to overturn a deficit to go on and win the game.

Fred in midfield: A key decision before the game was Fred or Christian Eriksen. In the end, Erik ten Hag opted to pick both players.

Fred had a crucial role, disrupting City from getting the ball to Kevin de Bruyne, and he was effective in possession, completing 31 of 34 passes attempted.

Alongside Casemiro, Fred ensured United were competitive off the ball, limiting the service into Erling Haaland.

The post 3 Erik ten Hag decisions which won the Manchester derby appeared first on United In Focus.



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