Erik ten Hag: Will Manchester United Manager Seize Second Chance at Old Trafford?

Erik ten Hag's Vision for Manchester United 2.0

Following a tumultuous Premier League season, Erik ten Hag has retained his managerial position at Manchester United, convincing the new owners, INEOS, that he is constructing a promising future at Old Trafford. Despite a rocky start, the season ended on a high note with an unexpected FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.

Stability After Change

As INEOS, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, purchased a 25% stake in the club, discussions around potential managerial replacements were rife. However, with the owners now settled in and a full pre-season ahead, Ten Hag has the opportunity to shape Manchester United into the team they aspire to be.

Tactical Evolution: The False Nine Experiment

Criticized for their lack of cohesion last season, United's defensive structure often appeared disorganized, as noted by Gary Neville, who described their performances as "schoolboy." Major gaps existed both between the lines and within the midfield, exposing the team defensively.

During the FA Cup final, Ten Hag deployed Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role, adding a valuable extra body to the midfield and leading to a disciplined team performance. With this tactical shift, United managed to successfully navigate through most of pre-season.

High-Pressing Style Returning

The high-pressing approach, reminiscent of Ten Hag's tactics at Ajax, has started to re-emerge. Players like Jadon Sancho have excelled in the false nine position, effectively linking up with teammates such as Mason Mount and Amad Diallo. This newfound flexibility has revitalized United's attacking patterns, establishing a more cohesive team dynamic compared to the previous season.

Defensive Reinforcements: The Ugarte Pursuit

As United aims to bolster their midfield defense, 32-year-old Casemiro faced scrutiny over his performance due to injuries and age concerns. Reports indicate that Manchester United is keen on acquiring PSG's Manuel Ugarte, who boasted the highest number of tackles in Ligue 1 last season, as a potential solution for their defensive frailties.

In the absence of Ugarte, United is also considering alternatives like Youssouf Fofana and Sander Berge. The team's ability to defend against quick transitions greatly relies on finding the right midfield anchor.

Injury Woes Looming

Even before the season's kickoff, injuries are already a concern for Ten Hag. Key players like Rasmus Hojlund are set to miss crucial matches, while others like Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro are expected to be sidelined well into 2024. The potential defensive partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire provides some hope, though their injury histories raised concerns.

The Defensive Lineup

With uncertain injury statuses and Aaron Wan-Bissaka's departure, United's defensive options appear slim. The inclusion of Noussair Mazraoui is promising, complemented by Martinez potentially fulfilling a left-back role.

Emerging Talent: The Future of United

Despite injury setbacks, the emergence of young talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer represents a beacon of hope for United supporters. Collyer's impressive pre-season performances, completing 100% of his passes in some fixtures, suggest that the club's youth system remains a vital factor in building a successful team.

Ten Hag's Commitment to Youth

Ten Hag's philosophy emphasizes creating pathways for young players. His comments regarding Collyer showcase this commitment and the potential for younger talents to shape the club's future.

Final Thoughts: A Season of Ambition

With Ten Hag at the helm, Manchester United faces a pivotal season ahead. The combination of tactical evolution, potential defensive additions, and the promotion of youth players could define their quest for success. The upcoming matches will test their resilience, adaptability, and ambitions under Ten Hag's leadership.