This is a positive quote from Erik ten Hag:
'The midfield balance is not there'.
As valuable as McTominay has been throughout this difficult period as a leader, a consistently hard worker, and a goalscorer, United need to become better with the ball.
Mount is a clear solution.
'The midfield balance is not there'.
As valuable as McTominay has been throughout this difficult period as a leader, a consistently hard worker, and a goalscorer, United need to become better with the ball.
Mount is a clear solution.
The system matters more than the inclusion of one player, though.
United could play with Amrabat, Mount, and Fernandes which, on paper, looks like their most balanced midfield, but if the two #8's are stuck between the lines and there's no inverted fullbacks it'll be disjointed.
United could play with Amrabat, Mount, and Fernandes which, on paper, looks like their most balanced midfield, but if the two #8's are stuck between the lines and there's no inverted fullbacks it'll be disjointed.
This isn't to say that inverted fullbacks are the only solution, but ALL good teams have more than one midfield presence alongside the #6.
That can be achieved by a #8 dropping deep to get involved in the build-up (Rice, Bernardo, etc) or via inverted defenders (typically both).
That can be achieved by a #8 dropping deep to get involved in the build-up (Rice, Bernardo, etc) or via inverted defenders (typically both).
This was primarily present at Manchester United last season. It has not been present this season.
That can be attributed to injuries (like ten Hag suggests), but the squad is good enough for him to adapt.
A defence of Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, and Reguilon can build play..
That can be attributed to injuries (like ten Hag suggests), but the squad is good enough for him to adapt.
A defence of Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, and Reguilon can build play..
Varane and Maguire (and Evans + Lindelof) may be less comfortable inverting from centre back than Martinez or Shaw, but Reguilon can invert from left back, as can Dalot (like we saw last season).
That in tandem with a guy like Mount/Mainoo dropping deep is a realistic solution.
That in tandem with a guy like Mount/Mainoo dropping deep is a realistic solution.
With Fernandes alongside McTominay as #8's there is a clear lack of natural 2nd phase presence as both want to operate high, but the structure in which they play is the biggest issue.
Against Fulham the unit was far too open in midfield.
Can't be the case tonight vs Copenhagen!
Against Fulham the unit was far too open in midfield.
Can't be the case tonight vs Copenhagen!
At some point these positive quotes need to turn into the replication of good coaching on the pitch.
I like ten Hag, I really do, but him deviating from what made United good last season and Ajax good throughout his tenure is strange..
United have the players to perform better!
I like ten Hag, I really do, but him deviating from what made United good last season and Ajax good throughout his tenure is strange..
United have the players to perform better!
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