By Harry Smith
After losing a crucial game in the Manchester derby, the Dutch manager understood that something had to change in the club's approach, he could not expect to have good results in every game with the same starting eleven, that's why he had to vary his strategy for this Europa League game.
The players who play on the left such as Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia had a very complicated match, lacking the level on many occasions to be able to maintain a good collective game that was present, until in one play the Dutchman lost the ball and it ended in a goal for the visitors.
They did not innovate and the secret of how the team plays was discovered
They confirmed their interest in this young striker to rejuvenate the team
The turning point of the match came at half time when Erik ten Hag decided to innovate and substitute the two players mentioned above. The change was radical, as he brought on English striker Marcus Rashford to look for more space and collective play in the centre of the attack, and so it was with Cristiano taking the defensive mark and leaving space for the Englishman to equalise.
Then with the introduction of the other striker, Anthony Martial, there was an increase in those passes that opened up space, one of them presented to the French striker, who submitted a great goal from half distance, it was the second goal, until a cross shot from Cristiano came to Rashford to push in the third goal for the team, and the second in his personal account.
The strikers had very good communication in the second half, showing a good level of partnership, that confidence they need to be more lethal in the team's attacking numbers. Cristiano struggled to score, he had a few chances, including a shot that hit the post, as well as having chances on other plays.
There was a significant change, the attack became very effective when most of the moves went through the midfield. Erik ten Hag's strategy helped them to take all three points back to Manchester, and with six points from a possible nine in their group, they are now in a good position to qualify for the next round.
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