Manchester United’s Struggles: Is Erik Ten Hag’s Vision Misaligned with His Squad?
Erik Ten Hag, despite his attempts to implement a distinct playing style, the results so far this season raise questions about the effectiveness of his approach.
Record Losses and Underperformance
Interestingly, Ten Hag now holds the record for the most losses by a Manchester United manager in a single Premier League season, with 14 defeats recorded in the 2023-2024 campaign. This statistic highlights the ongoing struggles of the team, which has started the season with more losses than wins.
A Disconnect Between Style and Squad
One of the core discussions is whether Ten Hag has created a team that he is not utilizing effectively. There appears to be a disconnect between his vision for the squad and the players he has available. The current Manchester United team does not seem well-suited to the style of play that Ten Hag aspires to implement, leading to speculation about his influence in the transfer market.
Style of Play: Ajax vs. Manchester United
Historically, Ten Hag has been known for his tactical acumen at Ajax, where his teams played attractive, possession-based football. However, the players at his disposal at Manchester United may not align with this philosophy. Key players like Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen possess technical skills that could facilitate this style, but the squad lacks the right profile in the striking department. The absence of a dynamic, ball-playing striker capable of executing Ten Hag’s vision hinders the team’s performance.
Struggling with Identity
As the discussion progresses, it becomes clear that Manchester United’s squad is currently caught between two playing styles. While Ten Hag aims to embrace an attacking philosophy, the players seem to default to counter-attacking tactics under pressure. This indecision leads to a lack of cohesion on the pitch, which is evident in their performances.
The Impact of Legacy
Another critical factor is the legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson, which continues to loom large over the club. Many fans and pundits often refer to the “Manchester United DNA,” expecting the team to replicate the attacking football of Ferguson’s era. However, it is essential to recognize that the current squad does not contain players who were part of that successful era. Clinging to past ideals can stifle progress and hinder the development of a modern playing style.
Potential for Change
Despite these challenges, there are promising signs within the squad. The central players, including Lisandro Martínez and Casemiro, provide a solid foundation. However, the team still needs to address weaknesses in the wide positions, where performance has been inconsistent.
The discussion highlights the need for Ten Hag to embrace the squad’s strengths and adapt his tactics accordingly. While he is undoubtedly a skilled coach, it is crucial for him to recognize that the players he has may be better suited to counter-attacking football rather than a possession-dominant style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Erik Ten Hag faces significant challenges at Manchester United as he strives to forge an identity for the team. While his coaching abilities are not in question, the alignment between his vision and the players available will be crucial to the club’s success moving forward. The path ahead may require flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to evolve based on the squad’s capabilities.
