Erik ten Hag got three tactical changes right for Manchester United against Newcastle

Erik ten Hag hasn't been afraid to make changes at Manchester United. Whether that be altering the home dugout at Old Trafford, axing Cristiano Ronaldo from the team, or effectively appointing a new captain during the season, Ten Hag has made sure that everyone knows who is boss.

The culmination of his immediate impact came with the Carabao Cup win at the weekend, as United used all of their experience to overcome Newcastle and claim the first silverware of the season.

It wasn't a vintage performance, but it didn't need to be. As always on cup final day, the ends justified the means, and the shining silverware draped in red ribbon made it all worthwhile.

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What is important, though, is to look at where the game was won and nearly lost, and in particular, the changes that Ten Hag made during the match to ensure his side held onto their lead.

It is all well saying that Newcastle weren't good enough on the day, but on another they would have found a way back into the game, if not for the wise tactical changes made by the United manager.

Ten Hag won't get much credit for taking Diogo Dalot off at half-time when he was on a yellow card, but it is a switch that not all managers would make if they didn't want to risk upsetting the rhythm of the match.

The United manager had no hesitation to do so, though, as he sent Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a warm-up before the first half had even ended and planned ahead for the change.

It proved to be a masterstroke, with the rejuvenated right-back putting in a sensational second-half performance and playing a key role in subduing the sizeable Newcastle attacking threat.

For much of the second half, United was second best and had little control in