Erik ten Hag claims Bayern Munich full-back is ‘not a great defender’ ahead of Man Utd clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a surprise claim ahead of his side’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, and said full-back Alphonso Davies ‘is not a good defender’.

The Canadian, who is more renowned for his attacking output, was named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up. To combat Davies’ penetrative runs, Ten Hag made the unexpected decision to select Facundo Pellistri in his team.

The 21-year-old has started just once previous match for United, but was picked by Ten Hag to feature at the Allianz Arena, despite Alejandro Garnacho offering an alternative option. Explaining that decision, Ten Hag said his plan partly centred around nullifying Davies' threat, before adding the surprising assessment of the Bayern star’s defensive output.

“Pelli is doing very well over a longer period,” the United boss told TNT Sports. “He came from South America and to start against Brighton [on Saturday]… tough journey. I think also it is not so fair to give him that chance, but today I think tactically it fits very good because they have Davies who is very offensive and has a lot of speed.

“Pelli can match that, he can match that defending but also offensively he has the capabilities to go into attack. Davies is not a great defender with dribbling, so I think it is a good game for him.”

Pellistri was the one change from the weekend loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Scott McTominay dropping to the bench and Ten Hag reverting to a 4-3-3 shape.

"I think that's why we play with Case [Casemiro] and Christian Eriksen, we can have a lot of possession," Ten Hag explained, when asked why didn't stick with a midfield diamond. "With Bruno [Fernandes] in the 10, he is creative, he is a very good presser and can run a lot defensively.

"I expect him and Rasmus Hojlund to occupy the three players from Munich. First we have to make it compact and then those two are good pressers and I expect a lot from them. I am confident in the back with Case and Christian Eriksen."