Erik ten Hag explains why he substituted Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund vs Man City

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Erik ten Hag laid out his argument for why he substituted Rasmus Hojlund after the removal sparked more boos from Manchester United supporters.

The 73rd-minute substitution of Hojlund was booed by a sizeable section of the crowd with United 2-0 down to Manchester City, who went 3-0 up through Phil Foden in the 80th minute.

Hojlund's withdrawal for Anthony Martial in the Premier League defeat to Brighton last month was booed by the Old Trafford crowd and the emergence of the fan favorite Alejandro Garnacho failed to temper United fans' dismay. PLAYER RATINGS: Rashford and Evans poor vs City MATCH REACTION: United are going backwards with Ten Hag's decision-making Hojlund, 20, has failed to score in seven Premier League appearances for United, who have scored a meagre 11 goals in 10 league matches this term. "I have to protect Rasmus Hojlund and I have to protect the team," Ten Hag said. "He is putting so much effort in pressing, going in the transitions, going long ways and being in the fight with the tough opposition. "And we are losing the game 2-0, he is not used to it - three games in a week.

So I have to protect him and I also have to protect the team and bring some energy in. We have bench players - Mason Mount and Garnacho - we know he can change games.