Erik Ten Hag’s 19th substitute goal of 22/23: Man United returning to their former glory

Erik Ten Hag is restoring the glory to Manchester United one game at a time, and their 2-1 win against Barcelona in the Europa League was a milestone achievement of the season. 

The match-winning goal came from Antony, who was subbed on at half time for Wout Weghorst. The first half display was quite lacklustre from the Premier League side, and the change allowed Antony to move into his preferred right-wing spot. Marcus Rashford moved to the number 9 spot, while Bruno Fernandes moved to the number 10 role and Jadon Sancho moved out to the left. 

Erik Ten Hag hits impressive new milestone for 22/23  

Antony scoring against Barcelona was the 19th time that a substitute has scored for Manchester United this season – the most of Europe’s top five leagues. 

While Wout Weghorst was expected to be the target man striker that he is so obviously made out to be – Ten Hag has used the Dutchman as a number 10 often. And this has allowed Marcus Rashford to take the goalscoring role in the team, which he has taken on so prominently. 

Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho are among the other players who have scored after coming off the bench for the Red Devils. 

The other teams closest to United’s tally of 19 are Napoli and Villarreal, with 17 goals from substitutes each. Barcelona are second with 14, but are quite a few goals away from United. 

Erik Ten Hag has managed to restore United’s reputation of substitutes winning the game late for the team. He will have the chance to end their drought for silverware next with the EFL Cup final coming up on Sunday against Newcastle United.