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Owen Hargreaves has claimed that Erik ten Hag is 'concerned' about managing the minutes of a Manchester United star.
Ten Hag decided not to start the player in United's 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.
With United facing a busy schedule, ten Hag is keen to ensure the player is managed properly.
United already have a significant number of injury problems to deal with and ten Hag is keen to ensure other key members of his squad remain fit.
Ten Hag's side will return to Premier League action on Sunday when they take on West Ham.
Owen Hargreaves says Erik ten Hag is worried about managing key player's minutes
Hargreaves explained why Ten Hag named the star on the bench against Fenerbahçe
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Rasmus Hojlund was called up to the bench for the clash in Türkiye and came on in the 55th minute to replace Joshua Zirkzee.
Hojlund missed the start of the season due to a hamstring injury, but has already played in seven games this season.
Ten Hag wants to make sure Hojlund, who has scored two goals this season, stays fit.
Paul Scholes argued that Hojlund should have started against Fenerbahce alongside Casemiro as United need to win games now to ease the pressure on the manager.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Scholes said: “I think if I had played against Hojlund and Casemiro tonight, they would have made a big difference.”
“I know there are games coming up, but Erik ten Hag needs to win games now, so play with your best players.”
Hargreaves admitted he agreed with Scholes, but explained why he feels Hojlund was left out of the starting lineup.
Hargreaves said: “I think I would have to agree.” He [Ten Hag] He is worried about Hojlund and his minutes, he knows he needs him for West Ham at the weekend.
Rasmus Hojlund, who missed the start of the season due to injury, came on as a substitute
“I definitely would have played Casemiro. [Manuel] Ugarte played very well, he looked good, but offensively United didn't show much.
“In the end it was a fair result. I don't think United can expect to go there and win right now, given their form. But three points after three [Europa League] It is clear that the games are not good enough.
United took the lead through Christian Eriksen in the 15th minute, but Fenerbahce equalized shortly after the break thanks to a goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.
Ten Hag's side have drawn all three of their Europa League games so far this season, and this match follows games against Porto and Twente.
United, currently 12th in the Premier League, will return to domestic action by visiting West Ham on Sunday and then hosting Leicester in the Carabao Cup.
Antony left the stadium on crutches after suffering an injury against Fenerbahçe. Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are among the other United players currently sidelined.
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