Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand React to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United Team Selection Against Aston Villa
Updated: 14:39, 6 October 2024 GMT+1
Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand have shared their thoughts on Erik ten Hag’s team selection for the Red Devils’ match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
With United’s poor start to the season, the Dutch manager has come under intense pressure. Ahead of the match, many were questioning his tactical decisions, particularly his decision to start Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at the expense of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
Reacting to Ten Hag’s team sheet, Neville quipped, "At one point I thought Gary and Phil Neville might be the full-backs!" He added, "If you had said to me five or six weeks ago that you would end up with Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire, I would have said there must be four injuries to the others."
Neville argued that while De Ligt and Martinez were dropped, it was understandable given their recent performances in Porto, where they conceded "horrific" goals. However, he questioned Ten Hag’s strategy, stating, "It’s like throwing the baby out with the bath water. It’s like when a manager is struggling at the end of his tenure, when they throw the young players in and they pick the ones they can trust."
Ten Hag justified his decision, citing rotation and the need to give all players a chance. However, Ferdinand was skeptical, taking to social media to share his thoughts. " ‘Rotation’? No, this is about who you think can get the job done," he tweeted.
For United fans, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. With the Red Devils currently sitting 8th in the Premier League table, there is pressure mounting on Ten Hag to turn things around. His decision to start Maguire and Evans has raised questions about his tactical acumen and his ability to make the most of his resources.
Only time will tell if Ten Hag can salvage his reputation and lead United to success. In the meantime, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what changes the manager makes next.
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