Despite recent improvements in Premier League performance, Erik ten Hag continues to face pressure at Manchester United, which is exacerbated by the emergence of player-related issues. The Dutchman has been confronted with high-profile circumstances that have come to light, but he must once more address certain issues within the squad prior to their upcoming match against Everton. Express Sport has identified a number of these issues.

Raphael Varane

Ten Hag appears to have lost interest in Raphael Varane, despite the fact that he is regarded as one of the team’s top central defenders and the back is experiencing an injury crisis. Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire have been given preference, despite the fact that the former Real Madrid defender was a mainstay for the team under the previous Dutch manager.

The Frenchman’s caliber is indisputable, notwithstanding the fact that Maguire has started to salvage his United career and Evans has demonstrated his worth as a summer acquisition. Varane’s absence has come as a surprise, and a potential disagreement between the two must be resolved, whether tactical or otherwise, before the defense four can return to full strength.

Marcus Rashford

Since his explosive 2022–23 campaign, Marcus Rashford has struggled to live up to the high expectations placed upon him thus far in this campaign. Ten Hag, who has demonstrated the ability to bring out the best in the England forward, will likely believe he can do so once more. However, the attack is faltering following a massive investment.

United have scored a mere 13 Premier League goals in 12 matches; only six teams have scored fewer goals. Ten Hag must assist Marcus Rashford and company in regaining their scoring form.

Bruno Fernandes

Ten Hag’s decision to remove Maguire from his captaincy and install Bruno Fernandes in his place has been called into doubt by club legend Roy Keane and other analysts. It remains to be seen whether the leadership group will alter, but Ten Hag will not be inclined to relinquish his captaincy, and an additional measure must be implemented to assist the Portuguese playmaker.

“I would immediately remove him from his captaincy,” Keane said following last month’s 3-0 loss to local rivals Manchester City. “Although this is a momentous one, Fernandes is not qualified to be captain.” “He is a gifted athlete; however, based on my observation today, he is constantly whining, moaning, and raising his arms in the air.”

Although Fernandes has partially answered his detractors by scoring the game’s lone goal in United’s recent victory over Fulham, he will be aware that performances still need to be improved in comparison to his lofty expectations.

Antony

In recent years, United’s right wing has been a source of distress, as neither Antony nor Jadon Sancho have had difficulty establishing themselves in that position. The latter, who joined Ten Hag from Ajax, has, similar to a number of his teammates, experienced a decline in performance this season.

Ten Hag’s inability to motivate his former Ajax star and £85 million acquisition to perform at Old Trafford would be a significant disgracing on his resume. Efforts will be required in the background to assist the Brazilian in reaching the standard of play that Ten Hag believes he is capable of.