Erik ten Hag labelled Alphonso Davies as “not a great defender” ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Bayern Munich.
The United boss has made several changes to the team that lost to Brighton on Saturday.
Indeed, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be out for several weeks after picking up an injury against the Seagulls, while Harry Maguire has not travelled to Germany after suffering an issue in training.
The most notable inclusion is Facundo Pellistri, with the Uruguay international starting in the absence of Jadon Sancho and Antony.
And speaking to TNT Sport on his decision to start United youngster Facundo Pellistri, Ten Hag aimed a sly dig at Bayern Munich defender Davies.
The United boss said: “[Bayern] have Davies, who’s very offensive. He has a lot of speed and Pellistri can match that.
“He’s got to match that defensively but also in the offense. He has the capabilities to come into the attack. Davies is not a great defender, so yeah I think it’s a good day for [Pellistri].”
Davies is among the MLS’ greatest ever exports, having established himself as one of the most electric full-backs in world football at Bayern.
However, the 22-year-old, who joined the Bavarian giants from the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018 as a winger, can be vulnerable defensively, according to United boss Ten Hag.
On Pellistri’s inclusion, Ten Hag added: “Pellistri has been doing very well over a long period. He [returned from the international break in] South America. To play against Brighton with three players coming from South America – tough journey, so it’s not fair to [only] give him the chance then.”
