Erik ten Hag explains why ‘brilliant’ Manchester United duo are benched against Liverpool

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United interacts with Roy Keane prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag has explained why ‘brilliant’ Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo were dropped from Manchester United’s starting XI against Liverpool.

United made three changes from the defeat at Brighton for the huge clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Maguire, Diallo and the injured Mason Mount drop out with Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee coming in to make their full United debuts, with Alejandro Garnacho also in the team.

Explaining his team selection, Ten Hag said: ‘He [De Ligt] is fit, especially a fit guy, so he’s really excited, and he wants to play really ambitious, so yeah, we put him in.

‘Harry and Amad have done brilliant but also we have a squad and we approach the opponent and look for what fits better.

‘But for sure, we need Harry Maguire today and we will need Amad today.

‘Josh needed time to adapt fitness-wise but now he is there and is up to speed. We have some subs also to bring on but he is ready for it.’

More to follow…

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