When Erik ten Hag took charge of Manchester United F.C. in the summer of 2021, he brought a wave of hope to fans after one of the club’s worst Premier League seasons. The anticipation was high for a transformative period under one of football’s innovative minds. However, three seasons and 21 signings later, questions about his lineup decisions persist, reflecting the team’s ongoing struggles.
Goalkeeper and Defense: Onana’s Role
In Ten Hag’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Andre Onana stands out as the starting goalkeeper for Manchester United F.C. Despite some early-season inconsistency, Onana leads the league with four clean sheets and ranks third in goals prevented, showcasing his importance to the team’s defensive stability.
The backline has been a source of uncertainty. Harry Maguire has recently reclaimed his spot, outperforming Matthijs de Ligt, who has struggled to find form since joining from Juventus. Lisandro Martinez, while recovering from injury, continues to be effective with his interceptions. The full-back positions feature Noussair Mazraoui on the right, known for his tackling prowess, and Diogo Dalot on the left, who contributes significantly in both defense and attack.
Midfield Dynamics and Attack Concerns
The midfield has seen changes this season, with Casemiro sidelined after early mistakes against Liverpool. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo has stepped up alongside Christian Eriksen, who has taken on a more advanced role. Mainoo’s stats indicate he’s among the top defensive midfielders in the league, leading in tackle success and passing accuracy.
Bruno Fernandes, as the attacking midfielder, faces scrutiny for his recent form, yet Eriksen has emerged as a more effective creator. This shift suggests that Manchester United FC might benefit from reevaluating Fernandes’ role to enhance the team’s creativity. With the season still unfolding, Ten Hag’s decisions will be pivotal in shaping the future of Manchester United F.C. and determining the best lineup to achieve success.
