Ten Hag’s substitutions have been excellent all season and the two players he introduced to the match, Rashford and Shaw, just combined to extend the Reds’ advantage. Garnacho just attempted a cross and it was overhit but it was the right idea. That was before he kept the ball in and attempted another cross, which was met with excitement by the crowd.
Manchester United welcome FC Sheriff to Old Trafford in the Europa League group stage on Thursday night. Ten Hag has reiterated that United must win their group and that meant he was expected to pick a strong side to play Sheriff, which has been the case.
Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez start at centre-back, with Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia at full-back, while Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes start again in midfield, retaining their positions after United’s draw at Stamford Bridge.
Marcus Rashford was not included on the bench when United posted the team news on social media, but I can confirm he is on the bench tonight, which means he could feature at some stage. Sancho should be outright dropped but there are compelling cases to rest the peerless Casemiro and Luke Shaw. Lisandro Martinez has started all but one game this season and Diogo Dalot has started the last 22 United games.
Ten Hag is emphasising the importance of finishing first again tonight, so it would be a slight surprise if he rotates as much as Sir Alex Ferguson would do in a penultimate group stage game (apart from in 1994, 2005 and 2011).
— Chirag Godara (@iChiragg) October 27, 2022