1. The Project Under Ten Hag: Building a Title-Winning Team
When Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford, he inherited a squad full of individual talent but lacking cohesion, discipline, and a clear tactical identity. Fast forward to today, and United has made significant strides under his guidance. Ten Hag has worked relentlessly to instill a style of play based on possession, high pressing, and tactical flexibility. This has already resulted in improved performances, as evidenced by their strong results in the league and their resurgence in cup competitions.
But United’s title challenge requires more than just tactical improvements. Ten Hag has also been focused on building a team that can compete consistently across a 38-game Premier League season. The squad has been gradually reinforced with key signings in areas of need, including the addition of Casemiro in midfield and the arrival of Rasmus Højlund as a focal point in attack. United now has a well-rounded team capable of challenging for top honors, but to claim the Premier League title, they need consistency, depth, and a relentless mentality.
2. Defensive Solidity: The Key to a Successful Title Challenge
One of the first things Ten Hag addressed upon taking charge was United’s defensive structure. Under previous managers, United had been plagued by defensive lapses and a lack of organization. However, with Ten Hag’s tactical blueprint in place, the defense has become more solid, disciplined, and difficult to break down.
The central defensive partnership between Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez has been a revelation. Both players offer a mix of experience and aggression, with Varane’s calmness and leadership qualities complementing Martínez’s tenacity and reading of the game. The addition of Andre Onana as goalkeeper has also made a difference. Onana’s ability to play with his feet and act as a sweeper-keeper has given United’s defense more fluidity when building from the back, and his shot-stopping ability has been crucial in tight matches.
To win the Premier League, United’s defense needs to continue performing at a high level throughout the season. The club’s defense has shown promise, but it will be tested against the best teams in the league. The challenge for Ten Hag will be to maintain defensive stability while also allowing the team to be aggressive and creative in attack.
3. Midfield Dominance: The Engine Room of a Title-Winning Side
No team can win the Premier League without a strong midfield, and United’s midfield looks more balanced than it has in years. The arrival of Casemiro has given United the experience and solidity needed in the defensive midfield role. His ability to break up opposition attacks, protect the backline, and distribute the ball effectively has been a key factor in United’s improvement.
Alongside Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes remains United’s creative force in midfield. Fernandes’ ability to dictate play, provide assists, and score goals from midfield makes him one of the most important players in the squad. His link-up play with the forwards has been a key factor in United’s attacking output.
Mason Mount’s arrival in the summer also brought versatility and dynamism to United’s midfield. Mount’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively gives Ten Hag tactical flexibility, and he has the work rate to support the team’s pressing game.
Together, Casemiro, Fernandes, and Mount form a balanced midfield trio capable of controlling matches and dictating the tempo. However, the real test will come when United faces the top sides, where the midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome. The continued development of players like Zidane Iqbal and Christian Eriksen will provide depth, but United’s first-choice midfielders need to maintain their level to mount a serious title challenge.
4. Attacking Options: The Firepower Needed for a Title Push
Manchester United has an abundance of attacking talent, and this depth is essential for any team hoping to win the Premier League. The club has a dynamic front line that includes the pace and finishing ability of Marcus Rashford, the creativity and flair of Antony, and the directness of Jadon Sancho.
However, the most significant addition to United’s attack is Rasmus Højlund, a powerful striker who has the potential to be a game-changer for the Red Devils. Højlund’s physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing give United the focal point in attack that they’ve been missing for years. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play will also be crucial as United looks to break down tight defenses.
United’s attacking players need to be more consistent, though. Rashford, for instance, had an excellent season in 2023/24, but he needs to maintain that form if United is to challenge for the title. Sancho’s improvement will also be key, as he needs to regain his best form and contribute with goals and assists.
Having multiple attacking options will be important as United looks to break down opposition defenses, especially in tight matches where individual brilliance is required to make the difference. The squad’s depth in attack will also be critical in dealing with the demands of a long season, and Ten Hag will need to rotate his attacking players effectively to keep them fresh.
5. Squad Depth: A Crucial Factor in Title Contention
One of the major challenges facing any team in the Premier League is the rigors of a long season. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion can take a toll on even the most well-balanced squads. For Manchester United, having sufficient depth will be key to maintaining their title challenge throughout the season.
United has invested in squad depth, with players like Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelöf, and Diogo Dalot providing quality options across multiple positions. The addition of Sofyan Amrabat to the midfield gives Ten Hag more options to rotate, while Tom Heaton’s experience provides valuable backup in goal. The continued development of youth players like Alejandro Garnacho, Shola Shoretire, and Zidane Iqbal will also provide important squad depth, especially in cup competitions.
The challenge will be to maintain a balance between a strong starting lineup and a capable bench. Ten Hag’s ability to rotate the squad without sacrificing performance will be crucial in ensuring United can compete across all competitions while remaining in the hunt for the Premier League title.
6. Erik ten Hag: The Right Manager for United’s Title Push
Erik ten Hag’s tactical acumen and ability to adapt have been key to United’s resurgence, but his managerial experience in high-pressure situations will also be tested in the title race. Ten Hag has shown a keen understanding of how to manage a squad and motivate his players, but the demands of competing for the Premier League title require the ability to handle both success and setbacks.
United has shown that they can compete with the top teams in the league under Ten Hag, but to win the title, they will need consistency, resilience, and the mental strength to perform in high-stakes games. The team’s ability to deal with pressure in key moments will be the true test of Ten Hag’s managerial ability.
Conclusion: Can United Win the Premier League Under Ten Hag?
The 2024/25 season offers Manchester United a genuine opportunity to challenge for the Premier League title. Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, the team has made significant strides in terms of tactical identity, squad depth, and individual performances. With a strong defense, dynamic midfield, and attacking options, United has the tools to mount a serious challenge for the top spot.
However, consistency, squad rotation, and mental fortitude will be crucial if United is to close the gap on Manchester City and other rivals. Ten Hag’s experience and tactical know-how will be tested in this title race, but with the right balance and continued development of his players, Manchester United could very well return to the pinnacle of English football. The Red Devils’ pursuit of the Premier League title is back on track, and the coming months will be a defining period for the club’s ambitions.