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Erik ten Hag claims Alphonso Davies \u2018is not a great defender\u2019 ahead of Manchester United\u2019s Champions League opener against Bayern Munich.<\/p>\n
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
United begin their Champions League campaign with their toughest game in Group A as they face Bayern at the Allianz Arena.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag has made just one change from the starting side which lost 3-1 to Brighton on Saturday as Facundo Pellistri replaces Scott McTominay.<\/p>\n
And speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag boldly claimed that Pellistri could expose Davies\u2019 defensive weakness.<\/p>\n
When asked about his decision to hand Pellistri his first start of the season, Ten Hag told TNT Sports: \u2018Pelli is doing very well over a longer period.<\/p>\n
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\u2018He came from South America, to start against Brighton with three coming from South America, it\u2019s a tough journey.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think also it\u2019s not fair not to give him a chance.<\/p>\n
\u2018Today, also I think tactically it fits very good because they have Davies who is very offensive, he has a lot of speed, Pelle can match that.<\/p>\n
\u2018He can match the defending but also offensively he has the capabilities to also go and attack, Davies is not a great defender, with his dribbling\u2026 I think it\u2019s a good game for him.\u2019<\/p>\n
Ten Hag also dismissed suggestions that the negativity currently directed at United is having an impact on the players.<\/p>\n
\u2018Adversity is always there, it\u2019s always in Man United, over decades it\u2019s always been there,\u2019 Ten Hag said.<\/p>\n
\u2018As a group you have to deal with adversity, you have to get energy from it, you have to get strong, it\u2019s only possible when you are together.<\/p>\n
\u2018Keep unified and battle, you have to co-operate as a team, if not then you are vulnerable. We have to protect ourselves, focus on the process, focus on playing better.\u2019<\/p>\n