Why I Subbed Casemiro & Maguire at Halftime Against Luton – Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag gave an explanation for his substitutions of Casemiro and Harry Maguire during the halftime of Manchester United’s victory over Luton.

The in-form Rasmus Hojlund scored a well-executed brace within the first seven minutes of the game, seemingly putting the Red Devils on pace for an easy win at Kenilworth Road. Despite five yellow cards being given during the match, United had to battle hard for their tight 2-1 victory.

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Within the first forty-five minutes, Maguire and Casemiro were shown two of those, which left them balancing discipline. When asked why he chose to hook the seasoned pair at halftime, Ten Hag later told Sky Sports: “I saw the reaction from the referee and thought they could go off with the next one. With [Scott] McTominay and [Jonny] Evans we have good replacements. Don’t take the risk. I thought it was the right decision.”

United have won four successive Premier League games and are now just five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the battle for Champions League qualification. Ten Hag added: “I think we are back in the race and we are building momentum. We need to build pressure. Every game is a final to get closer to them.”

In an effort to help United’s case, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has moved into Old Trafford after purchasing a twenty-five percent share in the team. Prior to the summer transfer window opening, there will be more behind-the-scenes activity. Of that saga, Ten Hag stated: “I have very good contacts. I know what’s going on. For Manchester United, it is very good. It’s highly ambitious. They are good people coming in. We are the project and they can help us and support us to accelerate this project.”

Next Saturday, United will return to home ground when they welcome Fulham. As the Red Devils begin to gain momentum at a critical point in the season, Ten Hag will have to make some important decisions on the starting lineups for Maguire and Casemiro.