Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot did not feature for the Red Devils in their 2-0 win over Burnley in the EFL Cup round of 16.
Manchester United faced Burnley in their first competitive match since the winter break and emerged victorious, inflicting a two-goal defeat on their opponents. Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire were not part of the Manchester United squad that faced Burnley.
Erik ten Hag brought in defensive midfielder Casemiro as a centre-back in the absence of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Lisandro MartÃnez. The Dutchman also gave Aaron Wan-Bissaka a start at right-back in the absence of Diogo Dalot.
Against Burnley, Manchester United opened the scoring on 27 minutes, with Christian Eriksen finishing from close range after an excellent cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Old Trafford side doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Marcus Rashford scored a sensational solo goal to seal victory for his side.
Read more: Premier League clubs ‘Tracking’ Celtic youngster Liel Abada
–>
Erik ten Hag reveals Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot’s absence from Man Utd team in win over Burnley
Speaking before the match, Erik ten Hag explained why Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot did not feature for Manchester United in their EFL Cup round of 16 victory. The Dutch coach said that Harry Maguire missed the match due to illness, while Diogo Dalot had an injury problem.
“Dalot had some discomfort, he felt it during his last game for Portugal and unfortunately Harry is ill,” said Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester United manager also explained why he deployed Casemiro as a centre-back. Erik ten Hag said: “Rafa [Raphael Varane] and licha [Lisandro Martinez] they participated in the final of the World Cup.
“We chose Casemiro because he has played there more times, but also Luke [Shaw] also has [offered] play there too, which is really cool.
“Everyone is committed and wants to play, they are hungry and I like that.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest in their first Premier League game after the winter break. The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the point standings with 26 points in 14 games. They are 11 points behind Arsenal, who have collected 37 points in the English top flight so far in the 22/23 season.
