Erik ten Hag has kept faith in Rasmus Hojlund (Picture: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag believes he has found his best Manchester United front three and intends to continue with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho going forward.
The Red Devils enjoyed a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday, bouncing back from two goals behind to pick up three points at Old Trafford.
Garnacho scored the first two and Hojlund netted the winner with his first Premier League goal for Manchester United.
It was a change to the dynamic up front, with Garnacho deployed on the right, with Rashford on the left and Hojlund through the middle, which looks like the right line-up, according to the manager.
‘You always try to find the balance,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
‘The balance on Boxing Day was very good with Garna on the right, Rasmus in the middle and Marcus Rashford off the left. Hopefully, we can continue that.
‘It is not only about the wingers. You also want the full-backs there. But we have often had to make compromises over the first half of the season. Diogo Dalot is right-footed and on the left side. It can work very good but it is not always beneficial for your strikers.
Alejandro Garnacho (left) and Rasmus Hojlund were Manchester United’s heroes against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty Images)
‘With Garnacho on the right you get a right-footer, a different type of player who can go inside but also go outside.
‘We want those dynamics with swapping positions, combinations, getting in behind, bringing it out of the triangles and, from there, serving our strikers.’
Speaking after the win over the Villains, Ten Hag said Garnacho has preferred to be on the left, but it appears that he will have to get used to the other wing.
‘Previously as well, he was almost more comfortable on the left but I think he can play on the right as well,’ Ten Hag said. ‘Today, I think he was on that right side over 90 minute an absolute threat, scored twice.
‘But I think the whole frontline played very good. They invested so much in the runs behind, the timings were so good and it was continuing a threat for the opponent.’
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The Dutchman believes he’s worked out the balance.
