Erik ten Hag felt Manchester United took more risks with their second-half changes as they failed to secure the two-goal win over Real Sociedad to top their Europa League group.
Ten Hag hooked Donny van de Beek and Victor Lindelof for Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay in the 58th minure and introduced Fred and Harry Maguire for Christian Eriksen and goalscorer Alejandro Garnacho in the 82nd minute.
Maguire, who was dropped for Lindelof, doubled as an auxiliary striker as United resorted to aerial passes in an effort to secure the second goal that ultimately eluded them.
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"First of all, Donny was a long time out," Ten Hag explained. "He couldn't play 90 minutes, so after 60 minutes we planned the sub and then we needed an extra goal so we brought more offensive players on, more four-against-four in the midfield, so we took more risks from that moment on.
"He (Lindelof) is performing well in combination with Martinez. Sunday he was ill, so not available and then (in) came Harry and he did well also. So I am happy we have the competition in many more positions and that is what we need, but also to cover all the games.
"With the Varane injury, it hurt us because also his leadership, but still we have three really good centre-backs and that's good and that's also what we need.
"Clear [why Maguire went up front]: we needed the goal and then we went more opportune. With Cristiano and Harry Maguire, you have two good headers and we tried to go more direct into the box and I think we did several times, quicker to get into the box for the opponent."
Although United face a knockout tie in February against a team relegated from the Champions League after failing to win Group E, they are nine games unbeaten and Ten Hag feels they have sustained momentum.
"Yes, I think (the momentum has been sustained). We always want to be number one and when we are not we are disappointed about it.
"But, finally, you win tonight, it was a clean sheet, we create some great chances and I think also Donny had a decent perfomance and a really good performance from Garnacho.
"We have some problems in the frontline, injuries and illness with Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho but we have also players in the back and there are more losses more is coming.
"So I'm happy we can replace them."
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