Man United has not shown signs of revival in the Premier League. The home team at Old Trafford played erratically.
Erik ten Hag faces thousands of pounds of pressure. Man United had a poor start to the 2023/2024 season. The 0-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend pushed the Red Devils into a crisis that shows no signs of ending.
Despite the massive increase in personnel in the summer market, Ten Hag’s Man United did not deliver a convincing enough performance. After 7 Premier League rounds this season, the Old Trafford home team ranked 10th in the rankings, winning 3 and receiving 4 defeats.
Ten Hag needs to make some tactical adjustments if he wants to revive Man United. Here are 3 things worth considering for the Dutch strategist.
1. Amrabat plays in the midfield
The Moroccan rookie was arranged by Ten Hag to play the left-back role in his early days at Man United. That context comes from the fact that the duo Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both out due to injury. However, placing Sofyan Amrabat at left back became a double-edged sword for Man United.
Casemiro has shown signs of overload recently. The Brazilian midfielder declined, was slow, and lost in duels. Casemiro’s poor performance has invisibly reduced the pressing and interception ability of Man United’s midfield.
Casemiro needs a quality partner to share the fire at this time. Amrabat is the perfect candidate. The duo Casemiro – Amrabat promises to help balance and strengthen Man United’s midfield.
Ten Hag can position Diogo Dalot at left-back and Victor Lindelof at right-back to solve the full-back problem. In the center of defense. Raphael Varane – Jonny Evans is not a bad suggestion.
2. Bruno Fernandes needs to play in the number 8 or number 10 role
Similar to Amrabat, Fernandes has repeatedly played against his strengths this season. Ten Hag tends to use the Portuguese star as a right winger. That invisibly makes it impossible for Man United to fully utilize Fernandes’ creative qualities and leadership of play.
It’s time for Ten Hag to return Fernandes to his familiar number 10 role. The 29-year-old midfielder will play a leading role, connecting the midfield and attack of Man United.
3. Hannibal and Pellistri act as reserves
It is difficult for Hannibal Mejbri to replace Fernandes at the No. 10 position. The Tunisian midfielder possesses great development potential but lacks top-level playing experience. Therefore, the 20-year-old star becoming a reserve is a viable option for Ten Hag’s Man United at this time.
Similarly, Facundo Pellistri did not deliver a convincing enough performance when given the opportunity by Ten Hag. With Antony’s return, Pellistri is likely to sit on the bench in the near future.
Put on the comparison scale, Antony brings better attack power and the ability to stir up the opponent’s defense system. Man United’s attack needs a breakthrough from Antony in the context of Marcus Rashford slowing down.