Manchester United finds themselves at a crossroads, with Erik ten Hag’s tactics under criticism and the team’s performance faltering in the Premier League, reported by GOAL. Despite securing a crucial draw against Liverpool, the focus remains on the team’s weak display and the mounting pressure on Ten Hag to turn things around.
Manchester United’s recent draw against Liverpool, while positive on paper, underscored a broader pattern of inconsistency and underperformance. The team’s inability to secure crucial wins has seen them slip down the Premier League table, with their Champions League aspirations hanging by a thread. A string of disappointing results, including a heartbreaking loss to Chelsea and a frustrating draw against Brentford, has highlighted the team’s struggles to find their rhythm and capitalize on opportunities.
While Manchester United still has a game in hand, their chances of securing a top-four finish appear increasingly slim. With rivals like Tottenham and Aston Villa aiming for coveted Champions League spots, the pressure is on Ten Hag to orchestrate a turnaround and salvage the season. The FA Cup offers a glimmer of hope, but failure to secure silverware could have dire consequences for the club’s future.
Analyzing Erik ten Hag’s tactics
Criticism of Ten Hag’s management style has intensified in recent weeks, with questions raised about his tactical approach and player management. Despite promoting promising young talent like Garnacho and Mainoo, Ten Hag has struggled to instill cohesion and consistency within the squad. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities and midfield shortcomings have exposed deeper systemic issues that need to be addressed.
While Garnacho and Mainoo have shown glimpses of their potential, they have been burdened with carrying the team’s attack and defensive responsibilities. Lacking support from more experienced teammates, they face immense pressure to perform week in and week out. Ten Hag must strike a balance between nurturing their talent and providing them with the necessary support and guidance to thrive at the highest level.
With pivotal fixtures against Bournemouth and other Premier League rivals looming large, Manchester United cannot afford any further slip-ups. Ten Hag must rally his squad and instill a sense of purpose and determination to secure vital wins and salvage their season. The Dutchman’s future hangs in the balance, with the club’s ownership and supporters demanding immediate results.
For Ten Hag, the stakes could not be higher. Failure to secure Europa League qualification or FA Cup success could spell the end of his tenure at Manchester United. The pressure is on for him to deliver results and restore the club’s pride and prestige. With time running out, Ten Hag must rise to the occasion and lead Manchester United through this turbulent period, or face the consequences of his team’s continued decline.
One of the primary criticisms leveled at Ten Hag is his reluctance to adapt his tactics to suit the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Manchester United’s style of play has become predictable, with opponents exploiting their vulnerabilities with ease. The weakness and increased pressure goes through easily the Red Devils defense, and the counterattacks that they are great at, gets distrupted more and more. Ten Hag must be willing to experiment with different formations and strategies to keep opponents guessing and maximize his team’s chances of success.
Another area of concern is Ten Hag’s handling of the squad and player rotation. Injuries and fatigue have taken their toll on the team, yet Ten Hag has been hesitant to rotate his squad and give other players a chance to shine. This has led to burnout and underperformance among key players, further worsening United’s troubles.
Beyond tactical adjustments and squad management, Ten Hag must also focus on rebuilding the team’s mental resilience. Manchester United’s confidence appears shattered, with players lacking belief and conviction on the field. Ten Hag must instill a winning mentality within the squad and motivate his players to fight for every point until the final whistle.
What’s next for Manchester United
The road ahead for Manchester United is fraught with challenges, but there is still hope for a turnaround. With the right adjustments and a renewed sense of purpose, Erik ten Hag and his squad can overcome their struggles and reclaim their status as one of England’s top teams. However, time is of the essence, and Ten Hag must act decisively to address the team’s issues and steer them back on course for success.
The post Manchester United’s style needs to change in the Premier League appeared first on ClutchPoints.
