Manchester United: Do the Red Devils Have Enough to Do Better This Season?

Manchester United’s Tactics Under Erik Ten Hag

What made the preseason particularly interesting was how a team like United, which lacked such tactical discipline last season, would get back in shape under Erik ten Hag. The expectation is for the club to finally play under a steady template with a manager who is praised for his tactical astuteness and expansive gameplay.

One conducive thing for the Red Devils would be Ten Hag’s proclivity to play a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 or a hybrid 4-3-3. These were formations that Ralf Rangnick employed last season, which instills a sense of familiarity.

But the level of tactical precision required is higher with the Dutchman. Going by his tactical work at Ajax, Ten Hag is sure to place a lot of emphasis on speed, accuracy, and intricate gameplay.

Their improvement in the preseason was visible from the way they played out from the back. An important component of Ten Hag’s system, it is a good indicator of the small but steady development that the side has made under the former Ajax manager.

There is still work to be done in improving the midfield of United. The midfield holds the fulcrum for his tactics to bear fruition. Playing in a 4-2-3-1 under Ten Hag requires quick interchanging of positions and intricate ball play to steal a march on the opponent.

Therefore, it requires an alert midfield that is able to bypass opponents with good dribbling and pace in passing and build-up. These are the exact qualities that seem to be missing in the current Manchester United midfield. That is where the bulk of the work still remains for Ten Hag and his staff.