Erik ten Hag must be tactically astute against FC Twente to keep players fresh for Tottenham clash | OneFootball

Manchester United will face FC Twente tonight in their Europa League opener before hosting Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

They are looking to bounce back after a frustrating draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday.

The Red Devils are playing three times in eight days, and Erik ten Hag must manage his squad well.

He did not have the option to rotate last season due to several injuries, but he has that luxury now.

Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro are still injured, but the majority of the squad is available.

The United manager will likely field a strong team against the Dutch side.

He will aim to win the Europa League as it will help him achieve two big targets this season – win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League.

He should not take tonight’s clash lightly but will also have one eye on the league encounter with Spurs this weekend.

Ten Hag has rightly faced criticism for his in-game management over the past two years. He must get it right to meet his goals.

He should use his substitutions wisely to keep key players fresh for Sunday’s match.

If Kobbie Mainoo starts tonight, he should be taken off in the second half.

With Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer available, Ten Hag has enough quality options to rotate.

The same strategy should be applied to Bruno Fernandes. Mason Mount was named in the squad against Crystal Palace after recovering from an injury.

The 25-year-old could be a reliable replacement in the second half.