Manchester United are steadily climbing the Premier League table under Erik ten Hag and the Dutchman’s side are beginning to look like a well-coached team.
It’s a far cry from the disjointed side under Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season and the newest Old Trafford boss is reaping the benefits of having control over summer signings.
Ten Hag is consistent with his starting line-ups and it’s usually the same players but he is not afraid to make changes if needs be, as we have seen over the course of this season.
Impressively, the manager has been able to change the course of a game with his substitutions and speaking ahead of this weekend’s game at Wolves, he has stressed the importance of substitutes having an impact on the game.
“We need impact from the bench,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying on the official Manchester United website.
“And I am happy once again it was a player who came from the bench, Fred, who is scoring a goal. I think all the subs who came on [against Forest] did really well.
“In the offensive department, you need players coming from the bench who will have an impact on the game, whether you need a goal or, if you are leading, [someone] that can go for a counter attack and keep the win on your side.”
As per the club’s official website, United have now scored 10 goals coming from substitutes since the start of the season – an impressive feat with less than half of the campaign played.
SN’s verdict…
Manchester United were synonymous with super-subs under Sir Alex Ferguson and although a hint of luck is involved, it all stems from the manager.
In addition to substitutes changing the game for United, Ten Hag has also overseen a number of last-minute winners – a sign of real character and determination.
All in all, United are a better team physically and psychologically under Ten Hag and it’s challenging to recall any period since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in which confidence was as high as it is now.