It can be said that Erik ten Hag has started well with his Manchester United job, at least by looking at the preseason. The Red Devils have won three out their three games so far.
Moreover, Ten Hag’s first game in charge saw his side thrash the last season’s Champions League finalists Liverpool 4-0. It followed with a 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory and 3-1 humbling of Crystal Palace in their latest friendly.
However, Ten Hag is well aware of the loopholes in United’s team which could falter his plans to completely implement his system at the club.
The former Ajax manager needs to address those in order to keep his plans intact for the next season, which will also be his debut one with Manchester United.
Ronaldo: A ‘problem’ or a ‘solution’ for Erik ten Hag?
Cristiano Ronaldo is finding a new club after telling United he wants the Champions League. However, this was not the only reason Ronaldo handed in a transfer request.
The striker was unhappy with club’s managerial reign under Ralf Rangnick and transfer business this summer. But Ten Hag’s appointment could prove to be crucial in Ronaldo staying at United.
On the other hand, despite convincing the forward to stay Ten Hag now has to find a way to slot him in his line-up. United have already shown flashes of Ten Hag’s relentless pressing game in the preseason, which contradicts Ronaldo’s style.
The Dutchman has used youngsters in Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho to squeeze the opponent. Further on, with Anthony Elanga as well in the ranks, Ronaldo’s role could be cut-short if chooses to stay back.
While Sancho rarely impressed in his first season, Rashford and Martial were totally out of the picture for United. But their careers look set to get back on track with the arrival of Ten Hag.
All three of them have made striding improvements in the preseason, with so far 7 goals between them in just 3 games. Erik ten Hag would love to see the three carry on their momentum for United’s season opener in just over 15 days.
But neither he will sideline a player of Ronaldo’s stature who at 37 years of age scored 24 goals last season. A big headache for the Dutchman will be to make the most out of Rashford and Martial, while keeping Ronaldo happy.
Alternative to Frenkie de Jong
United’s prolonged episode of signing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is slowly approaching an end. However, the end won’t be what United had expected since De Jong is likely to stay at Barcelona.
But Ten Hag knows United’s half of the problems in last few seasons aroused due to a lack of quality holding midfielder.
If De Jong’s pursuit fails, Ten Hag will have to do with Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek unless United bring in a quality alternative of the Barca midfielder.
The ‘unfamous’ McFred partnership will have to be fielded and United already know its consequences. As a result, Erik ten Hag will need to push it to the limits to acquire his former associate at Ajax, Frenkie de Jong.
A Herculean task awaits him if he fails to land De Jong, or a player of similar qualities.
Eriksen or Bruno Fernandes, or both?
United have at least added one midfielder to their ranks if not Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils have welcomed Christian Eriksen on a free transfer after he impressed with his short-spell at Brentford.
Ten Hag now has two quality-filled options in the attacking midfield, in Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen. While one may quickly choose Bruno Fernandes over Christian Eriksen, Ten Hag won’t miss the point that the latter has a better work-rate among the two.
However, Fernandes will undoubtedly get the preference due to his attacking contributions. But Ten Hag will need to see to it that Eriksen too feels important in the team.
Reports suggested that the manager is thinking about deploying a 4-1-2-3 to accomodate both Fernandes and Eriksen. In the process, he will run the risk of just one man protecting the defense.
And that risk could prove to be suicidal given United’s past experiences. It is almost certain that Eriksen will see more of the bench, but Ten Hag to repay the faith shown by the Dane in signing for them.
Defensive reshuffling
Ten Hag has luckily received solid defensive reinforcements in left-back Tyrell Malacia and center-back Lisandro Martinez. Malacia has heavily impressed in the preseason and is set for plenty of opportunities next season.
But United’s first-choice left-back Luke Shaw would demand security from Ten Hag in receiving regular minutes since the World Cup is around the corner.
Moreover, Alex Telles is also waiting to prove his point and require game-time under the new boss. While it would be good to have three options in one position, someone is going to be hugely disappointed over lack of minutes.
Another question arises is Martinez’s integration. Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are set to return as the center-back pairing for the team, but Martinez could foil this plan.
Ten Hag is going to work with a no-nonsense approach at United and he won’t think twice to bench Varane, a four-time Champions League winner.
Martinez and Maguire could become the ‘ultimate pressers’ of Ten Hag’s team since both operate with the same style. Though Maguire is shady defender, his ability to progress the ball up the field cannot be questioned.
Only next season will tell if Martinez and Maguire thrive, or struggle to survive. But Ten Hag has the guts to take the chance of replacing the Varane-Maguire pair with Martinez-Maguire partnership.