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

Establish tactical identity

Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, there have always been talks about “playing the Ferguson way”. It embodies the fighting spirit and the level of domination that United enjoyed under the legendary Scotsman during his glorious 27-year reign at the club.

Since his departure, the profile of managers coming in has been high with the likes of Jose Mourinho, Ralf Rangnick, and Louis Van Gaal being among them. But what has been lacking is the identity that Ferguson instilled in his side.

Perhaps after a long while, a manager with a clear attacking identity has arrived at Old Trafford. Ten Hag’s tactics scream possession, dominating the ball and showing vicious intent to get it back on losing possession.

Pre-season football indicates that Ten Hag would prefer to employ the usual 4-2-3-1 formation for United. He would require strong ball carriers and runners in the wing-back position and the two midfielders at the base of midfield (preferably McTominay and Fred) to help the defence. This formation seems to appeal more to the players and the style United possesses.

There is also scope for Ten Hag to implement a more hybrid 4-3-3 formation that he prefers when pressing higher up the pitch. This formation was visible during United’s pre-season fixture against Aston Villa. Fred operated as the sole defensive midfielder, a role described by Ten Hag as the “connector” between attack and defence. Donny van de Beek and Bruno Fernandes operated further up in attacking midfield on either end of Fred. But this formation needs a bit more work.

How Cristiano Ronaldo fits into things under Ten Hag

It remains to be seen how he handles the Cristiano Ronaldo situation having mentioned his desire to work with United’s superstar striker (for now). Along with United’s improved frontline of Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford who have dazzled in pre-season, Ronaldo’s arrival to the squad boosts their goalscoring profile. Ten Hag is therefore intended to once again go back to his former club to get the services of Brazilian attacker Antony.

But it also causes problems for fitting a 37-year-old player despite his mercurial qualities into Ten Hag’s system. A system that demands physicality and work rate. The telling factor though would be no Champions League football next season which will surely hurt Ronaldo’s legacy and his ego alike.

If he leaves, having lost Edinson Cavani earlier this summer the frontline too would wear thin with only Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho best placed to provide competition to the aforementioned trio.

Managing a potentially thin squad during the Premier League, the various cup competitions and also the UEFA Europa League would be a test for Erik ten Hag in his first. The way things are stacked up makes it obvious that this season and the United job will be the most challenging assignment to date for the former Ajax manager.