Revealed: The Reason Behind Alejandro Garnacho Substitutions In United Last Three Games

Erik ten Hag gave reasons on why he decided to substitute Alejandro Garnacho in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

For the third game in a row, the teenager was taken off early and against Chelsea and Liverpool, his withdrawal has led to United’s attack losing some of its edge and its threat on the break.

Alejandro Garnacho was replaced after 79 minutes with Ten Hag opting to bring on Sofyan Amrabat in a tactical switch to protect United’s 2-1 lead.

It didn’t turnout well for United, though, as Liverpool equalised in the 84th minute from the penalty spot to leave Old Trafford with a point.

After three games in a week and 31 consecutive starts for Garnacho and a short turnaround from the game at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, Ten Hag felt Garnacho wasn’t as sharp as he often is and that the defensive change would help his side see out the game.

‘First today, Alejandro, it wasn’t his game,’ Ten Hag said after the match, while the Dutchman also played down how many shots his side conceded.

‘[Garnacho] wasn’t that fresh as he can usually be, where he also always had some decisive moments in games.

He [Garnacho] was tired, absolutely. And then we are winning in that moment in the game, we had problems, they weren’t more offensive, they made subs in that period and to bring more control in the centre of midfield we brought on Sofyan Amrabat.’

Erik ten Hag have previously stressed the need on managing young talents and not to burn them out before their prime.