Three keys to success for Manchester United in 22/23: Defence, midfield & tactical identity

Settle Manchester United’s midfield

The midfield is another area that requires wholesale improvement. United have done a good job of removing certain players who were surplus to requirements, albeit leaving as free agents. The midfield lacks world-class quality and depth whereas United’s rivals seem to have stolen a march strengthening the centre of the pitch.

Defensive midfield is a specific area that United and Ten Hag need to address. Among the top 6, they remain perhaps the sole team that lacks a proper solid defensive midfielder.

The duo of Scott McTominay and Fred (christened McFred) usually feature ahead of their defence. But they seem to leave a lot to be desired in the role respectively.

United’s thin midfield seems to only be supplemented by young players who have just come out from the academy. United have already nailed down Christian Eriksen who signed on a free (subject to a medical).

Frenkie de Jong saga not helpful

Their ongoing tussle with Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong seems like it would drag down till the end of the transfer window. But Ten Hag’s former disciple doesn’t seem to budge on his desire to not leave the Catalan club.

There were also rumours of the club’s potential interest in signing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante. But that talk quickly vanished into thin air.

The club already missed out on players like Franck Kessie and Boubacar Kamara who could’ve fit into the DM profile perfectly. They are not seemingly in talks to sign any other midfielder other than De Jong.

This could leave them in a perilous position with only nine midfielders in the first team. It could leave the Red Devils thin in midfield and short on options in linking the attack with defence next season in the wake of injuries.