1. Building from the Back: Control and Composure
One of the most notable changes under Ten Hag has been United’s shift towards building from the back. Gone are the days of booting the ball long and relying on counter-attacks. Under Ten Hag, United’s defenders and goalkeeper have been tasked with playing a more composed style, using short passing and intelligent movement to progress the ball out of defense.
David de Gea’s departure in the summer and the arrival of Andre Onana has been pivotal in this change. Onana’s ability to play with his feet, distribute accurately, and act as a sweeper-keeper has allowed United to play a more fluid style from the back. The defenders, particularly Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez, are encouraged to be more comfortable on the ball and confident in stepping forward, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia provide width on the flanks.
The midfield, led by Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount, plays a crucial role in this build-up phase. They work together to create passing lanes, circulate the ball, and break down opposition presses. The emphasis on controlled possession and a methodical approach to advancing the ball has transformed United’s defensive and attacking transitions.
2. High Pressing and Intensity
Another hallmark of Ten Hag’s tactical setup is the emphasis on high pressing. Inspired by his time at Ajax, Ten Hag has introduced a more aggressive pressing system that aims to win the ball back high up the pitch. United’s attackers and midfielders are expected to press aggressively when out of possession, forcing mistakes and recovering the ball in dangerous areas.
This pressing system requires players to be intelligent in terms of positioning and timing. Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho have all played important roles in the press, closing down opposition defenders and limiting their options. When United’s forwards and midfielders press in unison, it creates turnovers in the final third, providing opportunities for quick counter-attacks or high-quality chances.
While United has shown flashes of this high-pressing style, it remains a work in progress. The consistency of pressing as a team and maintaining defensive shape when the press is bypassed will be crucial in United’s continued evolution.
3. Fluid Attacking Play: Width and Depth
Under Ten Hag, Manchester United’s attacking play has become more fluid and interchangeable. The team uses width effectively, stretching the opposition and creating space for overlapping runs from full-backs and midfielders. Players like Antony and Rashford provide width on the flanks, but they are also encouraged to drift inside and interchange positions with each other, creating confusion for defenders.
United’s full-backs have become vital in creating overloads in wide areas. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot have regularly advanced high up the pitch, supporting the wingers and providing quality crosses into the box. This tactical flexibility allows United to shift between different attacking setups, depending on the situation, and create goal-scoring opportunities from multiple angles.
The movement off the ball is also a key feature of Ten Hag’s attack. The forwards are constantly looking for space to exploit, whether that’s Rasmus Højlund making runs in behind the defense or Bruno Fernandes picking up pockets of space to thread through balls. Ten Hag’s philosophy has made United’s attacking play more dynamic, offering several different ways to break down opposition defenses.
4. The Role of Bruno Fernandes: The Creative Hub
Bruno Fernandes is central to Ten Hag’s tactical setup. The Portuguese playmaker is given the freedom to operate between the lines, where he can dictate the tempo of the game, create chances, and link up play. Fernandes is United’s creative hub, and his ability to deliver key passes, crosses, and set pieces is invaluable to the team’s attacking output.
Under Ten Hag, Fernandes has evolved into a more disciplined playmaker, balancing his natural attacking instincts with a more controlled and composed approach. He’s expected to contribute defensively by pressing high up the pitch, while also being a constant threat in the final third. Fernandes’ ability to influence games has been a key factor in United’s improved performances this season.
5. Emphasis on Tactical Flexibility
One of Ten Hag’s key strengths is his tactical flexibility. While his preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, he has shown the ability to adapt to different situations and opponents. Whether it’s shifting to a more defensive 4-3-3 against stronger sides or adopting a more attacking 4-4-2 in certain match situations, Ten Hag has demonstrated that he is willing to make changes based on the needs of the game.
This flexibility is particularly evident in United’s approach to possession and counter-attacking play. In certain matches, United has dominated possession, controlling the tempo and looking for openings. In others, they’ve been content to absorb pressure and hit on the break, utilizing the pace of players like Rashford and Højlund. This adaptability has made United a more unpredictable team and a difficult side to prepare for.
6. Defensive Solidity and Counter-Pressing
Ten Hag’s defensive system is built on organization, discipline, and tactical awareness. The defense, led by the partnership of Varane and Martínez, is expected to be compact, preventing opposition players from finding space in and around the penalty area. United’s defenders are comfortable stepping up the pitch when needed but also know when to drop deeper to avoid being exposed on the counter.
In addition to individual defensive responsibility, the team as a whole is expected to perform counter-pressing when possession is lost. This ensures that the opposition has little time to organize counter-attacks and allows United to quickly regain control of the ball.
While United’s defense has shown improvement, consistency remains a challenge. The ability to defend as a unit and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations will be key to United’s long-term success under Ten Hag.
7. The Future: Continued Evolution
As Ten Hag continues to implement his ideas and integrate new players into the system, Manchester United’s tactical evolution will undoubtedly be a work in progress. The foundation is in place, with a more organized, disciplined, and flexible style of play emerging. However, the squad will need to develop greater consistency and fluidity to fully execute Ten Hag’s vision.
United’s midfield depth, defensive stability, and attacking options will be tested throughout the season as the team juggles domestic and European commitments. With Ten Hag’s continued leadership, United looks set to evolve into a more complete team, one capable of competing for major honors both in the Premier League and on the European stage.
Conclusion: The Ten Hag Effect
Erik ten Hag’s tactical evolution at Manchester United is a testament to his coaching ability and vision for the club. His emphasis on possession-based football, high pressing, and tactical flexibility has already begun to take shape, with United playing more cohesive and dynamic football. As the team continues to develop, Ten Hag’s tactical influence will only grow stronger, and Manchester United’s return to the top of English and European football seems increasingly likely.