Man Utd train ahead of Bayern Munich clash
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag bluntly described Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies as someone who “isn’t a great defender” as he risked being left with egg on his face before their opening Champions League tie of the season. The Dutchman previewed the clash as he picked out one area in which he felt that the Red Devils could get one over on Thomas Tuchel’s outfit.
Ten Hag notably handed young winger Facundo Pellistri his first club start in a huge European tie away to Bayern, where he will be up against one of the strongest left-backs in world football in Davies, as his burst of pace especially has been proven to be a valuable asset.
The Dutchman was urged to start Pellistri in United’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday, but explained that due to the Uruguayan’s international exploits it was difficult to throw him in against the Seagulls and instead felt that the midweek game would prove to be a better opportunity for his full debut.
“(Facundo) Pelle is doing very well at the moment,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “And over a longer period he came from South America and to start against Brighton with three coming from South America, it is a tough journey.
“It is also not so fair to give them that chance, but also tactically, it works out very well for us because they have Davies who is very offensive, a lot of speed, and he can match that. He can match that offensively and defensively.
Then, having been asked about how starlet Pellistri will fare against Davies, Ten Hag bluntly replied: “Davies isn’t a good defender. Pellistri can match Davies with his dribbling.”
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Whether Davies can make Ten Hag eat his own words remains to be seen, but he has certainly provided the Canadian with the motivation to perform on the biggest stage up against a newcomer to the United team in Pellistri, after Antony was placed on a leave of absence amid domestic abuse allegations, while fellow right-winger Jadon Sancho has had a public falling out with Ten Hag.
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