Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, finds himself in a challenging situation. The Red Devils have endured their worst start to a Premier League season, and the pressure is mounting on the Dutchman to turn things around. After a disappointing goalless draw against Aston Villa, Ten Hag has made it clear that his forwards must take greater responsibility if they are to reverse the club’s fortunes. In this article, we delve into Ten Hag’s message, the issues facing United’s attack, and what the future holds for the club under his leadership.
Manchester United’s Struggles in Attack
Manchester United’s attacking woes have been a central theme this season. Despite the talent in their squad, the Red Devils have struggled to convert chances and find the back of the net. The goalless draw against Aston Villa is a prime example of their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. With just five goals scored in the campaign so far, only winless Southampton have managed fewer, placing United in 14th position on the table.
Erik ten Hag’s frustration is evident, and he has called upon his forwards, including Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, to step up and deliver the goals needed to change the club’s trajectory. Ten Hag’s comments after the match reflected his belief that the team has the potential to improve, but the forwards must find their rhythm and capitalize on the chances created.
8 – With eight points (W2 D2 L3), this is Manchester United’s lowest tally in their opening seven matches of a league season since 1989-90 (7), when they went on to finish 13th under Alex Ferguson – his lowest league finish in charge of the club. Meagre. pic.twitter.com/RF3Z1iBrOo
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 6, 2024
The Importance of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund
Marcus Rashford, one of United’s most talented attackers, has been inconsistent this season. While he showed flashes of his quality with a goal and assist in United’s recent Europa League clash against Porto, he has struggled to replicate that form in the Premier League. Rashford’s role is critical to United’s success, and Ten Hag has urged him to rediscover his scoring touch and become a consistent threat once again.
Similarly, new signing Rasmus Hojlund has yet to reach his full potential. Ten Hag acknowledged that Hojlund is still building up match fitness and adjusting to the Premier League’s demands. The manager expressed his confidence that once the young forward reaches peak fitness, he will become a crucial asset for United’s attack. Hojlund’s development is essential, and his ability to score goals will be key to Manchester United’s revival.
Ten Hag’s Tactical Approach and the Defensive Resilience
While Ten Hag’s focus has been on improving the attack, he has also taken pride in United’s defensive resilience. The goalless draw against Aston Villa marked the club’s fourth clean sheet of the season, a statistic that Ten Hag highlighted as a positive. He praised the team’s organization and discipline, both in and out of possession, as signs of progress.
This defensive stability provides a solid foundation for United to build upon. However, Ten Hag knows that it is not enough to rely solely on clean sheets to climb up the Premier League table. The manager emphasized the need for balance, with the forwards playing their part to complement the defensive efforts. By combining a solid defense with a more efficient attack, Ten Hag believes United can find their stride and start picking up the points they desperately need.
The Challenges Ahead for Manchester United
Despite the optimism expressed by Ten Hag, Manchester United faces several challenges in their quest to turn the season around. The lack of goals is one of the biggest obstacles, and the pressure on the forwards is increasing with each match. For players like Rashford, Hojlund, and others such as Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, the expectation to perform and deliver results is high.
Ten Hag’s job security has also come under scrutiny as the team’s struggles continue. Reports suggest that the Manchester United board is closely monitoring the situation, with discussions about his future becoming more frequent. However, Ten Hag remains determined and focused on finding solutions. He has made it clear that he trusts his players and believes that, with time, the goals will come.
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What Needs to Change for United’s Attack to Improve
To improve their attacking output, Manchester United must address several key areas:
- Improving Efficiency in Front of Goal: The team needs to convert the chances they create. Ten Hag pointed out that Rashford and other forwards had opportunities against Aston Villa but failed to capitalize. Improving composure and decision-making in the final third will be crucial for United’s forwards to become more clinical.
- Building Confidence Among the Attackers: Confidence plays a significant role in a team’s attacking performance. Ten Hag’s public backing of his players is a step in the right direction, but the forwards must respond with improved performances. By finding form and scoring consistently, players like Rashford and Hojlund can lift the team’s spirits and momentum.
- Tactical Adjustments: Ten Hag may need to tweak his tactical approach to create more opportunities for his forwards. Whether that involves changing the formation, instructing the full-backs to push higher, or introducing more fluid movement in attack, adapting to the challenges presented by different opponents will be essential.
- Maximizing the Impact of Creative Players: Players such as Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho have the potential to unlock defenses with their creativity. Ten Hag must find a way to integrate them effectively into the attack and ensure they are in positions where they can influence the game. If these players can provide the service needed, the forwards will have more opportunities to score.
