Erik Ten Hag's Bet Is The Key To MU's Victory

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford (left) bet manager Erik ten Hag against Southampton. (X/@ManUtd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a gamble when he lowered Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford in the first match after the international break against Southampton in the English Premier League. But both answered Ten Hag's trust and saved him from the threat of dismissal.

Ten Hag made a surprise while still dropping De Ligt off as a starter at the heart of defense against Soton at Sadion St Mary's, Saturday, September 14, 2024, WIB night.

De Ligt's poor performance while defending the Dutch national team in the match against Germany in the UEFA Nations League could actually be a consideration to re-back the defenders brought in from Bayern Munich.

Even the Dutch coach Ronald Koeman felt the need to withdraw De Ligt to be replaced by another player in the match. Koeman did not want his players to lose confidence when they returned to the club after making blunders twice in a row. Captain Virgil van Dijk also gave advice to his juniors so they wouldn't lose their spirits because of his blunder.

However, Ten Hag still gave full confidence to De Ligt against Soton. Apparently, the former Ajax Amsterdam coach's decision was not wrong. De Ligt not only played well in a duet with Leandro Martinez, but he also scored a goal that opened MU's victory.

Ten Hag's next stake is none other than playing Rashford who was again not included in the England squad while competing in the Nations League. Previously, Rashford was also dropped by manager Gareth Southgate so he missed the Euro 2024.

Ten Hag received strong criticism if he continued to rely on the 26-year-old. Facing this criticism, Ten Hag actually fielded Rashford. As a result, the player managed to increase the advantage of the Red Devils.

The team's brilliant performance became even more complete when goalkeeper Andre Onana made a save when he was awarded a penalty. Onana saved Cameron Archer's penalty. The success immediately raised Bruno Fernandes et al's passion.

Despite bringing MU to victory, De Ligt remains dissatisfied. The reason is, the team was only able to get three points from their three matches.

"I think getting the three points from the three matches is clearly not enough. This is what puts us under pressure. But we did play well in this match," said De Ligt.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag had his own considerations when he lowered Rashford. Ten Hag thinks Rashford actually only needs one goal. Next, he will 'fly high'. And, Rashford met that target by scoring the first goal since March 9, 2024.

"This [gol] is very important. It certainly means a lot, for a forward like him," said Ten Hag.

"When the competition season rolls, you certainly want to score. Now, he has scored the first goal. I'm sure the next goals will come," he said again.

MU finally won 3-0 after Alejandro Garnacho completed the team's victory when the opponent was forced to play with 10 people because of Jack Stephens' red card. The victory that brought MU to eighth by pocketing the sixth point.