Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes Erik ten Hag “looked a different man” during yesterday’s rousing extra-time FA Cup win over Liverpool.
Ten Hag made numerous changes when his side fell 2-1 down deep into the extra period, shifting creative midfielder Bruno Fernandes back into centre defence, right winger Antony to left-back and changing the mindset to all-out attack.
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And it worked. Marcus Rashford brought them level before Amad Diallo, thrown on as a substitute with five minutes of normal time to go, grabbed a dramatic winner to send United through to a last-four clash with Championship side Coventry City at Wembley.
Schmeichel believes it could be a turning point for Ten Hag who has had to contend with speculation around his position for much of the season.
The Dane, who helped United with the treble under Alex Ferguson in 1999, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I don’t see any reason for a change [of manager after this season]. I don’t see any reason for a change in the first place.
“There’s a lot of other positions in the club that need changing, and you can’t do everything in one go. I was pleased with him yesterday, I have to say. Everything looked different around him.
“He came on the pitch in his suit and tie. He looked a different man yesterday. He looked like the manager. A strong character.
“Sometimes these little changes have a massive impact.”