‘It was forced’ – Ten Hag explains half-time substitution in Brighton defeat

Erik ten Hag spoke to reporters after Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat against Brighton on Saturday when he revealed that Mason Mount reported an issue at half-time before being substituted.

The Reds were losing 1-0 following a Danny Welbeck opener when Joshua Zirkzee replaced Mount, who had played well in the opening 45 minutes.

Ten Hag’s substitute caused a degree of confusion. Mount wasn’t one of the first players I would’ve taken off, but now we have more clarity on the situation.

The manager told reporters that it was not a tactical move but a case of not taking a risk on Mount’s fitness.

“It was forced,” Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference, as quoted by ManUtd.com. “He mentioned an issue and I don’t want to take the risk with him.

“I don’t know how much of a worry it is, I can’t say at this moment. But I think, when we have the good bench, and we can bring in Zirkzee, then don’t hesitate. Bring Mount off and bring [on] a player who can have an impact.”

Ten Hag told TNT Sports in a separate interview: “It was a decision, he had some problems and he had an issue. We know the history of Mason, so we took him out.”

Ultimately, Ten Hag made a wise decision. Mount’s first season at United was hampered by injuries and we don’t want a repeat of that. Not when he could do with building a bit of momentum.

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