Owen Hargreaves speaks after the Europa League draw (Image: TNT Sports)
Owen Hargreaves believes Erik ten Hag is “worried” about Rasmus Hojlund’s workload after he was named on the bench for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
Hojlund scored a superb goal in United’s win over Brentford in the Premier League last week, so it was a surprise to see Joshua Zirkzee overtake him in Istanbul.
Although Zirkzee played a part in Christian Eriksen’s first half, the move did not bring much success to Manchester United and Ten Hag opted to bring on Hojlund in place of the Dutchman shortly after the break.
By then, Fenerbahce Jose Mourinho had already scored a deserved goal after Youssef En-Nesyri’s shot, and his header in the 49th minute turned out to be the last goal, and the match ended with the score 1-1.
Both Hargreaves and fellow Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes were surprised that Hojlund started on the bench and also felt Casemiro should have been involved from the start.
A tight schedule undoubtedly played a role in Ten Hag’s decision – Manchester United traveled to east London on Sunday to face West Ham – but Scholes said his former club had not been able to rest and rotate players so freely.
“I think if he had played with Hojlund and Casemiro today, they would have made a big difference,” Scholes told TNT Sports.
Rasmus Hojlund came on as a substitute in the second half (Photo: Getty)
I know there are games coming up, but Erik ten Hag has to win games now, so play with the best players.
Hargreaves added: “I guess I have to agree. He (Ten Hag) is worried about Hojlund and his minutes, he knows he needs him in West Ham’s squad this weekend.
“I would definitely play Casemiro. (Manuel) Ugarte played really well, looked good, but United didn’t show much offensively.
– Ultimately, it was a fair result. I don’t think United can expect to go there and win right now, given their form. But three points after three games (Europa League) is definitely not enough.”
Erik ten Haga’s men will face West Ham this weekend (Image: Getty)
Hojlund he missed the start of the season due to injury, but played in all of the club’s last seven matches, scoring three goals in the process.
Since arriving at Old Trafford for £72 million from Atalanta, the Danish striker has scored 18 goals in 50 appearances.
Meanwhile, TNT Sport co-commentator Robbie Savage, after watching the Europa League match from the stands, concluded that the 1-1 result was a “fair result for both teams.”
Fenerbahce wanted a penalty shortly after equalizing, but the on-pitch referee rejected appeals and VAR confirmed the correct decision had been made.
However, Mourinho was furious upon hearing this announcement, earning a red card and being sent to the stands for his outburst in the dugout.
More trends
Read more stories
“I think on the balance of play, Fenerbahce were the better team in that first half, but Manchester United scored a great goal on the counter-attack,” Savage said.
Fenerbahce could have equalized at half-time. They went on the pitch, scored a goal, but didn’t create much in the second half.
I think Jose will be happy, especially since he lost 1-0. It’s a fair result for both teams.
On Sunday, Manchester United will face West Ham, which has won only two of eight league matches this season and lost to Tottenham 4-1 after the last break.
Find more stories like this on our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: “Little winger?” – Graeme Souness ‘not convinced’ about Jadon Sancho’s transfer to Chelsea in the summer
MORE: Dietmar Hamann says Arsenal star has ‘regressed’ and it will only get worse
MORE: Paul Scholes slams Manchester United star after draw with Fenerbahce: ‘He’s very much to blame for this’
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.