Erik ten Hag‘s selection of the team for the encounter against Real Betis on Thursday night is perplexing.
His Manchester United have started their journey to Spain for the second leg of their Europa League match, and they know it would be a complete catastrophe if they were to lose there.
With a 4-1 advantage, they would still go to the quarterfinals even if they lost 2-0 that evening.
Despite this, Ten Hag sent a complete team rather than some of the exciting young players who United supporters have been clamoring to see more of.
The fact that Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal were left at home while the rest of the senior players traveled to Spain seemed to be particularly upsetting United supporters.
Man United vs Real Betis
Mainoo, who can play in a variety of positions, has already seen some game time this season, both in cup tournaments and in the league.
Even though Iqbal made a bigger impression at the youth level, it’s obvious that Mainoo is above him in the hierarchy, and many people believed he would face Betis on Thursday.
Instead, Ten Hag will ostensibly field an exceptionally strong squad once more, putting at risk Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, who are each one caution away from a suspension.
Ten Hag has undoubtedly done a fantastic job so far at United, and a big part of that success has been fostering a winning culture, which results from players being accustomed to that sensation.
But he needs to take care of his players, both older and younger, and seek to integrate young players into the senior system.
Mainoo might have served as a possible replacement for Casemiro, who will miss the next four domestic games. A 30-minute stint against a potent European team would have served as a reliable gauge of his readiness.
Instead, when the same tried and true guys are given a game, he will be watching the game at home.
#mufc's squad to face Real Betis: De Gea, Heaton, Butland, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Martinez, Shaw, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, McTominay, Sabitzer, Elanga, Pellistri, Rashford, Sancho, Weghorst
— utdreport (@utdreport) March 15, 2023