Erik ten Hag's genius plan with benched player will pay off for Manchester United

There has been scant praise for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag this season.

United have regressed, they finished eighth in the Premier League and ultimately Ten Hag has been responsible, which has seen him edge closer to the chopping block. The Dutchman has dealt with intense scrutiny around his future and many fans believe a managerial change is necessary after the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Ten Hag hasn't been praised for much this season, but his handling of Rasmus Hojlund over the last few weeks could be an example of excellent management if bearing fruit at Wembley where the striker is expected to start, despite being benched in the last two matches. Hojlund was named on the bench against Newcastle and Ten Hag confirmed his omission from the starting XI was to give the 21-year-old a rest and keep him fresh.

United won 3-2 against Newcastle and Hojlund came on from the bench to score the third goal, shifting the ball to create a yard of space and finding the bottom left corner.

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A final day of the season visit to Brighton followed and Ten Hag persisted with Bruno Fernandes as a false nine. Hojlund was benched for a successive match, but Fernandes had one of his poorest games of the campaign and the experiment failed ahead of the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag's team selection at the Amex Stadium was a trial ahead of facing City and it didn't work. Hojlund was introduced to the game at the hour mark and his presence immediately improved United, who lacked a focal point before he was substituted on for Fernandes.

Hojlund unnerved Brighton's defensive line,