Erik ten Hag was really desperate for Man United to pick up a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.
After seeing his side hold onto a 1-0 lead at the hour mark, the Dutchman decided to experiment with some surprising changes.
In the 62nd minute, he took off Donny van de Beek and Victor Lindelof for Marcus Rashford as well as Scott McTominay.
Many were left surprised to see Lindelof taken off – but that was because of Ten Hag changing the system to a three-man backline.
He switched to a 3-1-3-3 formation – something he used at Ajax when in need of more goals.
When that didn’t work, Ten Hag decided to make some more radical substitutions in the final 10 minutes.
The Dutchman brought on Fred for Christian Eriksen and Harry Maguire to replace Alejandro Garnacho – United’s only goal-scorer of the game.
Maguire was told to play up-front alongside Cristiano Ronaldo – almost playing the role Marouane Fellaini used to as a late substitute during his United career.
The Red Devils’ only tactic late on was to ping crosses into the box, hoping that Harry or anyone else can score from them.
Ultimately, Ten Hag’s tactical changes fell flat as his side were unable to double their lead or win the Europa League group.
