Erik ten Hag explains Alejandro Garnacho decision as Barcelona offer Manchester United boost

Ten Hag explains Garnacho for Sancho substitution

Erik ten Hag says he deployed Jadon Sancho in the No.10 role as he felt there was space in Leicester's midfield for United to exploit on Sunday - but that decision came at a cost for one young teammate.

Sancho replaced Alejandro Garnacho at half-time with United fortuitously ahead by one goal after 45 minutes that Ten Hag branded "rubbish" in his post-match interview.

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Marcus Rashford gave United a two-goal cushion in the 54th minute, before Sancho made it 3-0 in the 61st to effectively kill a contest Leicester had dominated in the first half.

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Xavi concerned over two Barcelona stars

Barcelona manager Xavi has suggested he is concerned by player fatigue ahead of the Europa League play-off second leg showdown with Manchester United on Thursday night (8pm).

United drew 2-2 with the Catalan giants in the first leg of the tie - thanks to a Marcus Rashford Rashford strike and an own goal from French defender Jules Kounde. The Reds looked like returning to Old Trafford with a lead in the contest, but former Leeds United man Raphinha scored in the 76th minute to level things up.

With the away goals rule no longer in play, the winner of the reverse leg on Thursday night will progress to the next stage of the competition. However, the Barcelona coach admitted that he is worried about fatigue with two players after the La Liga win over Cadiz at the Nou Camp.

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