Erik ten Hag explains why Alejandro Garnacho starts for Manchester United vs FC Sheriff
Man United play FC Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday and Erik ten Hag has explained his team selection.
Erik ten Hag has explained why he's given Alejandro Garnacho the chance to make his full Manchester United debut.
United welcome FC Sheriff to Old Trafford in the Europa League group stage on Thursday night. Ten Hag has reiterated that United must win their group and that meant he was expected to pick a strong side to play Sheriff, which has been the case.
Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez start at centre-back, with Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia at full-back, while Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes start again in midfield, retaining their positions after United's draw at Stamford Bridge.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the side after peace talks with Ten Hag earlier in the week, but the biggest pre-match talking point has been the inclusion of Garnacho in the starting line up, who is set to make his full debut at Old Trafford.
Garnacho made his first-team debut against Chelsea in the Premier League last season but his first full start will come against FC Sheriff. Ten Hag was asked about that decision ahead of kick-off and he explained why Garnacho starts:
"Yes [impressive in training], that's why he gets the opportunity, he deserves it," Ten Hag told MUTV when asked about Garnacho. "Like runs behind, like dribbles, like finishing and I'm really wondering, and I hope, he can do that tonight.
"We have a front three, with Cristiano and Antony, who all have opportunities, who have skills, who run behind, to create, to have dribbles and to have combinations in tight areas, which is what we expect from them, to create opportunities and goals.
"This pitch is not for learning. They have to deliver and be aware of that. This is not a learning moment, he [Garnacho] has the capabilities to show it. We have six games coming up in two weeks and we need them all [players].
"Raphael Varane is out and we need centre-backs, so I'm really happy Harry is on the way back, also in the front with Donny, he can score goals, so I'm happy in that department that he's back. We need to keep clean sheets, stability and consistency."
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