Erik ten Hag's substitutions are not Manchester United's biggest problem in second halves

Sir Alex Ferguson coined the phrase 'squeaky-bum time' 20 years ago, as April loomed. April is the acid test for a manager and Erik ten Hag's results are mixed.

Ten Hag's in-game changes have been one of United's biggest strengths this season but this month they have been one of their biggest weaknesses. They have contributed to negative results in three matches in April alone.

There was muddled thinking at Newcastle, United's capitulation against Sevilla started with the frivolous changes on the hour of the first leg and United were weakened with each batch of double-changes at Tottenham.

Also read: United players' full-time reactions show they know they blew it

Ten Hag was at least proactive. United were under the cosh as soon as the second half started and a goal was inevitable before Pedro Porro smacked in on 56 minutes.

The choice of personnel was still quizzical. Jadon Sancho had enjoyed his best hour of football in a year and Christian Eriksen was a vintage the Spurs supporters would have recognised.

"If you have seen the game you have seen also in the period after half time we lose control in the game," Ten Hag explained, "and I prepared the subs already before the 2-1 and you could see that goal coming.

"With Fred, you bring energy, one who can win the ball. On Sunday he was brilliant. And with Martial, you bring one who can keep the ball and you can have (Marcus) Rashy, Antony and Bruno (Fernandes) make runs behind and that was the idea."

Marcus Rashford isolated Eric Dier to devastating effect for United's second goal. Put yourself in Dier's position on the hour: Rashford moves further away and is replaced by Anthony Martial. Any defender would choose to be pitted against the pitiful Martial.

How could Wout