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Erik ten Hag admitted it would have been a risk to use Alejandro Garnacho as an impact substitute against Burnley during last night\u2019s tense 1-0 win at Turf Moor. <\/p>\n
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
The Red Devils ground out a narrow victory to end a run of four successive defeats in all competitions and consequently eased the pressure on their under-fire manager. <\/p>\n
While it was three points that mattered most, it was hardly the sort of fluent, coherent performance that would have quelled the criticism that has been aimed at the increasingly pragmatic Dutchman in recent weeks.<\/p>\n
Indeed, it was Vincent Kompany\u2019s side that enjoyed the overwhelming share of possession, while Bruno Fernandes\u2019 spectacular winning goal came very much against the run of play on the stroke of half time. <\/p>\n
As full-time approached, Burnley began to take greater risks in search of an equaliser which left space for United to exploit on the counter.<\/p>\n
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The situation looked an ideal one for speed merchant Garnacho to exploit, and recognising the game state the travelling United fans began to chant for the precocious teenager.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag instead opted for a safety first approach and even brought on summer signing Sofyan Amrabat in the closing stages for what was his debut to help see out the victory.<\/p>\n
Explaining the decision to resist the temptation to bring on Garnacho, Ten Hag said: \u2018He (Garnacho) was in against Munich and I thought our team was playing very well.<\/p>\n
\u2018So I wouldn\u2019t change that tonight because this game was a demand to keep that organisation. That\u2019s why I wouldn\u2019t change.<\/p>\n
\u2018I saw the players were still capable and the fitness levels were good and the energy was still there, it was only 1-0. I wouldn\u2019t change that because I also know that Burnley in one moment and in this moment where everything is against us \u2013 we have seen again a disallowed goal.<\/p>\n
\u2018I don\u2019t want to say if it is the right decision or wrong decision, but again there was a moment that was not on our side. I wanted to avoid that and keep this team on because they did well.\u2019<\/p>\n