Erik ten Hag gives surprising reason for why Jonny Evans starts for Manchester United vs Man City

Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are starting for Manchester United against Manchester City for 'tactical reasons', according to Erik ten Hag.

With Casemiro not in the squad, Ten Hag has started Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen in midfield against City and Bruno Fernandes is set to start on the right, which means Antony has been dropped.

Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon have also been named on the bench and Lindelof will play at left-back again, alongside Evans, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.

ALSO READ: Mainoo named in squad

ALSO READ: United vs City LIVE build-up

Ten Hag was asked why Evans and Lindelof start and he told MUTV: "It's tactical. It's not the argument to make their selection [their experience], it's tactical and that's the answer."

He then continued to discuss the team selection and Christian Eriksen: "He's often shown from the very start that he can be very good, for example the Arsenal game. You always think that he can be decisive, his distribution and calmness on the ball, he gives options and that's what you need against a good side like City who press strongly."

When asked about Kobbie Mainoo's return to the bench, Ten Hag said: "Still a way to go, but he's ready for a part of the game. That's good news because he's a midfielder player and we can use his capabilities, his physicality, his taking of the ball and he's brave.

"All of his abilities and skills, he can contribute to the team."