Man United fans know that it was a rocky road last year. And even with the FA Cup win fresh in their memory, all eyes are on manager Erik ten Hag and his vision for the club’s future. Since his arrival at Old Trafford, the Dutch tactician has been steadily implementing his philosophy, reshaping the squad, and fine-tuning tactics to bring the Red Devils back to the pinnacle of English and European football. But a change of ownership and a mostly disappointing season meant that he was rumoured to be on the way out before he renewed his deal for another two years. This season will be even more closely watched than usual…
Building from the Back: The Defensive Foundation
One of the most noticeable changes under Ten Hag has been the emphasis on building play from the back. The manager has prioritised ball-playing centre-backs who are comfortable in possession and capable of initiating attacks. This approach allows United to maintain control of the game and dictate the tempo from the defensive third.
The full-backs play a crucial role in this system, often pushing high up the pitch to provide width and attacking options. Harry Maguire impressed during his comeback year last season, but he’s hardly a man on an island here. This aggressive positioning requires the centre-backs to be adept at covering large spaces and dealing with counter-attacks, a skill that Ten Hag has been honing in training sessions.
The goalkeeper’s role has also evolved, with an increased focus on André Onana’s distribution and playing as a sweeper-keeper when necessary. This allows United to effectively have an extra player in build-up play, creating numerical advantages against pressing opponents. Score your MUFC tickets at Ticket Compare to see this defensive framework in action. They’ll compare the best prices for Manchester United tickets and find the best deal for you.
Midfield Mastery: Control and Creativity
The midfield is where Ten Hag’s tactical influence is perhaps most evident. The Dutchman favours a fluid midfield trio that can seamlessly switch between defensive stability and attacking threat. The base of this midfield typically features a deep-lying playmaker, adept at dictating play and setting the tempo.
Flanking this pivot are two more dynamic midfielders, often with contrasting skill sets. One tends to be more defensively minded, providing cover and balance, while the other is given license to push forward and support attacks. This asymmetrical structure allows United to maintain control in midfield while also offering unpredictability in attack.
Ten Hag has placed a strong emphasis on quick, vertical passing through the midfield lines, although it’s worth keeping an eye on if a potential transfer of Scott McTominay makes a difference. Kobbie Mainoo impressed for England this summer, however, and should continue to flourish. This approach aims to break through opposition defences before they can settle into their defensive shape. The midfielders are encouraged to make late runs into the box, providing additional goal-scoring threats and keeping defenders guessing.
Attacking Fluidity: Interchanging Positions and Intelligent Movement
In the final third, Ten Hag’s United has become increasingly fluid and unpredictable. The forward line is characterised by constant movement and interchanging of positions, making it difficult for defenders to mark and track players.
The wide forwards are encouraged to drift inside, creating space for overlapping full-backs and also allowing them to occupy dangerous central areas. This inward movement also helps to create overloads in central areas, a key principle of Ten Hag’s attacking philosophy.
The centre-forward’s role has evolved beyond that of a traditional number nine. While goal-scoring remains a primary responsibility, the striker is also expected to drop deep and link play, creating space for runners from midfield and the wide areas. This has put a lot of pressure on Rasmus Hojlund. This fluid approach requires a high level of tactical understanding and positional awareness from all attacking players.
Pressing Game: Collective Effort and Tactical Triggers
A hallmark of Ten Hag’s teams is their aggressive and coordinated pressing. At Manchester United, he has implemented a sophisticated pressing system that aims to force turnovers in advantageous positions. The press is not constant but is instead triggered by specific cues, such as a poor touch or a pass to a pre-identified pressing trap.
The pressing structure is designed to funnel opposition play into specific areas of the pitch, where United can then apply intense pressure to win the ball back. This approach requires a high level of fitness and tactical discipline from the entire team, with each player needing to understand their role in the overall pressing scheme.
Ten Hag has also introduced the concept of counter-pressing, where the team immediately applies pressure after losing possession. This tactic aims to win the ball back quickly or, at the very least, prevent the opposition from launching counter-attacks.
Youth Integration: Building for the Future
In line with Manchester United’s tradition, Ten Hag has placed a strong emphasis on integrating young talent into the first team. The manager has shown faith in academy graduates, providing them with opportunities to impress in both domestic and European competitions.
This focus on youth development serves multiple purposes. It ensures a pipeline of talent for the future, helps maintain a connection with the club’s identity and fanbase, and provides fresh energy and enthusiasm to the squad. Ten Hag’s experience in developing young players at Ajax has been invaluable in this regard. Of course, if they keep signing players like Leny Yoro, the 18-year-old from Lille, then the future should continue to be bright.
