27 February 2023 , 12:38
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Gary Neville has highlighted Erik ten Hag 's "brilliant" ability to make the right substitutions to change games in the favour of Manchester United.
The Dutchman utilised all five of his permitted changes during the course of United's win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. That victory saw the Red Devils lift their first piece of silverware in six years.
And former United captain Neville was quick to highlight Ten Hag's ability to change games with his subs as one of the reasons behind United's success. He positively compared the Dutchman to managerial legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as he hailed the Red Devils boss.
"SAF [Sir Alex Ferguson] was unbelievable at affecting momentum within games and Jose was great at Chelsea interfering with games with his subs. Wouldn’t say ETH [Erik ten Hag] is there yet (due to both SAF and Jose achievements) but he makes brilliant substitutions and changes within matches. He doesn’t wait!" Neville tweeted.
"One of the hardest things I found as a coach was reading the game at ground level! SAF used to watch a match first half from the stands to gain a clearer understanding of the game. He even raised the dugouts at OT.
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"So many coaches make subs that we all think, 'why have they done that?'. I’m convinced it’s because they can’t see the game properly. A lot of the time you see legs and bodies and not really what’s happening.
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Neville believes that Ten Hag's changes proved key to United's Carabao Cup win (Getty Images)"That’s why a lot of clubs have the coach in the directors box watching for them to spot the details. It’s one of the hardest things to do as a coach to get your subs right.
"Watching a game from the perfect viewing point and with the tactical camera gives you an advantage in reading the game. Managers used to go in the stand but now the perception is 'you have to be down with the players'."
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcel Sabitzer, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho and Harry Maguire were all introduced at Wembley. But it was two first-half goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford that ended United's long trophy drought, leading to Ten Hag hail his troops.
"It was definitely the right spirit, there is very good spirit in the team. We act as a team and fight for everything. We beat them, it was not always the best football but I think it was effective," he said.
"What you see is they are really well connected with each other - also they challenge each other and, in moments, they help each other when it's difficult. It's great to see. I think it's the best a manager can get.
"I said before the game - Rapha Varane, Casemiro, David De Gea. They know how to win trophies. You need such lads on the pitch to point the team, coach the team, organise the team.
"Not only from a tactical perspective but also, especially, the mental perspective. It's so important, the winning attitude. They have to bring it in the dressing room and bring it to the team. In difficult situations, they have to handle it and that's what they did again."