Explained: Why Harry Maguire & Casemiro were subbed off at half-time in Man Utd’s win at Luton

Erik ten Hag has explained why he replaced Harry Maguire and Casemiro at half-time of Manchester United’s win at Luton.

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• Red Devils burst out of the blocks against Hatters
• Senior stars picked up first-half cautions
• No risks taken in ongoing battle for top-four finish

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils appeared to be on course for a comfortable victory at Kenilworth Road when the in-form Rasmus Hojlund bagged a well-taken brace inside the opening seven minutes. United were, however, made to work hard for a narrow 2-1 success that saw five yellow cards picked up along the way.

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  WHAT TEN HAG SAID ABOUT MAGUIRE & CASEMIRO

  Two of those were shown to Maguire and Casemiro inside the opening 45 minutes, leaving them walking a disciplinary tightrope. Ten Hag told afterwards when asked why he opted to hook the experienced duo at the interval: “I saw the reaction from the referee and thought they could go off with the next one. With [Scott] McTominay and [Jonny] Evans we have good replacements. Don't take the risk. I thought it was the right decision.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United have won four successive Premier League games and are now just five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the battle for Champions League qualification. Ten Hag added: “I think we are back in the race and we are building momentum. We need to build pressure. Every game is a final to get closer to them.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford, following his acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club, is intended to aid United’s cause – with more movement behind the scenes on the way before attention turns to the summer transfer window. Ten Hag said of that saga: “I have very good contacts. I know what's going on. For Manchester United, it is very good. It's highly ambitious. They are good people coming in. We are the project and they can help us and support us to accelerate this project.”