Erik ten Hag explains why Wan-Bissaka and Sancho start for Manchester United vs Southampton

Erik ten Hag has started Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho in Manchester United's game against Southampton for a combination of tactical and rotation reasons.

Although Ten Hag surprised supporters when making no changes to play Real Betis in the Europa League after the Anfield debacle, the players delivered the perfect response when securing a comfortable 4-1 victory in that match on Thursday night.

United are looking for back-to-back wins against Southampton on Sunday, but the team has been tweaked on this occasion, with Wan-Bissaka replacing Diogo Dalot and Sancho coming in for Fred in the starting line up.

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Those changes mean Sancho will start in the No.10 position, which Fernandes usually occupies. Antony is also set to start on the right, Wout Weghorst will play through the middle and Marcus Rashford will play down the left.

Ten Hag discussed his changes with MUTV ahead of kick-off and he said: "Freshness is definitely one objective, but also from a tactical perspective versus the opponent. They have quick attackers, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a really good defender.

"He can defend spaces in the back and he did well on Thursday night but also the months before, he's made really good progress. In the midfield, we made a change with Jadon [Sancho] and I think at 10, we need a strong press and quick feet.

"You need a player there who can create, run behind and Jadon can do that. We have seen on Thursday night how good Bruno was acting in that position [deeper in midfield], so he's really intelligent and can play that role.

"Now he [Fernandes] has to do it again. Bruno has a wide range of ground to cover, he has a lot of energy and he likes to do it.