Why Amad didn't start for Manchester United vs Liverpool

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has recalled Alejandro Garnacho to the starting line-up at Amad's expense for the visit of Liverpool for tactical reasons.

For the first time this Premier League season, the United chief made alterations to his starting XI for the visit of Arne Slot's side. Garnacho had been knocking on the door for a starting berth after coming off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield to score before coming on to create Joshua Zirkzee's winner against Fulham.

It was anticipated that his only way into the starting XI would be at the expense of Marcus Rashford after Amad scored in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Ten Hag has suggested that Garnacho is a better fit than Amad to take on a team of Liverpool's profile.

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Ten Hag told Sky Sports: "It is the same as with H [Harry Maguire]. Both Harry and Amad have done brilliant, but also we have a squad and in our approach to the opponent, we think this fits better to start.

"I am sure we need Harry Maguire today and we need Amad today."

On Matthijs de Ligt's inclusion, the United manager said: "It is not about Matthijs for Harry. We have a good squad that we can pick. We can change our approach to an opponent. We are talking about a very fluid opposition and Matthijs fits better."

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