Erik ten Hag has taken some bold decisions since taking control at Manchester United. From dropping Harry Maguire and handing the armband over to Bruno Fernandes, to making big calls like giving away the Premier League trophy to Valencia FC; Erik has shown himself decisive and decisive with his choices.
Craig Burley believes former Ajax manager Frank de Boer is motivated by Dutch culture to make these decisions, yet have they cost Red Devils?
United’s recruitment policy
Ten Hag has been brought in to form a team capable of challenging for major honours, with the support of the board for recruiting players. Working closely with experienced Murtough and Fletcher as part of his management team, Ten Hag has shown the ability to collaborate with numerous scouts.
Many believe a lack of investment in deeper football intelligence is behind some of United's missteps when it comes to recruitment decisions, with Mason Greenwood (PS80m), Antony and Jadon Sancho all struggling in their initial months with United.
Concerns are also expressed over the club's decision to pursue a move for Marko Arnautovic, which has proved risky due to Bologna pricing them out and an apparent personality clash with Ten Hag.
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Ten Hag’s tactical approach
Ten Hag's arrival at United was met with great hope that he could revive attractive possession football under his guidance, however many core players lack the necessary skill-set.
United struggled to break down teams' low blocks during its initial two games of 2022/23 due to an inadequate roster for pressing high.
As such, he has decided to change his strategy of play; now setting up a 3-1-6 formation with goalkeeper acting as sweeper-keeper to enable structured build-up while still possessing possession.
He also reduces passing lanes by placing one central midfielder near each of the opposition's centre-backs, forcing their opponents to decide between taking wide approaches or pressing up into the middle, with latter often being easier for him to penetrate.
United’s performance
Man Utd has had an extraordinary season. They broke a six-year trophy drought, reached the FA Cup final and progressed into the quarter finals of Europa League. Additionally, some incredible individual performances such as Marcus Rashford delivering his best campaign ever and Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro being incredible since joining.
On Saturday, however, things didn't quite go according to plan. Victor Lindelof gave away a free-kick to Brentford in the 26th minute and Matias Jensen fired past Andre Onana into the lead for their visitors.
Ten Hag's response was to turn to midfielder Scott McTominay for assistance and he duly delivered with two late goals to rescue a point for United. It was further evidence of McTominay's strong performances this season - proactive out of possession, dominant in the air and always on hand to read and adapt to games.
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Ten Hag’s attitude
Since summertime, Manchester United have been gripped with despair as the Glazer family continue to reap millions in dividends while seeing their foundations disintegrate. Dutchman's smart signing of Casemiro as someone who personifies small details that add up has proven beneficial - making him one of the few players capable of turning around United's fortunes in time.
But Ten Hag's man management has come under scrutiny. He wasn't the right person to publicly criticise Jadon Sancho, who looks likely to leave unfulfilled, while alienating Harry Maguire by stripping him of captaincy.
He misjudged Mason Mount's value, who hasn't lived up to his hype and overpaid for Rasmus Hojlund - even though he could still become an excellent player. Yet every great manager has an unexpected side; in United's manager David Moyes it shows in his use of physical and psychological punishment on players to restore discipline.
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