Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has clarified the decision to bench defender Matthijs de Ligt, attributing it to squad rotation. With a congested fixture schedule, ten Hag emphasised the necessity of involving all players to manage the workload effectively.
Squad Rotation Strategy
Ten Hag stated, “It’s just rotation. We’ve so much games to cover, so we have to bring them all in.” This approach is part of his broader strategy to maintain player fitness and performance levels throughout the season.
Focus on Improvement
Addressing the pressure of upcoming matches, ten Hag remarked, “Pressure? Every game is important, so don’t make it too big. We are calm and composed. We need to improve.” His comments reflect a focus on steady progress and development within the team.
Recent Context
This decision comes amidst ten Hag’s recent comments on various team dynamics, including the adaptation period for new signing Manuel Ugarte and the need for overall team improvement. As reported earlier, ten Hag has been vocal about addressing defensive issues and has urged patience with the team’s progress.