1. High-Pressing Strategy: Bringing Intensity to the Forefront
One of the most noticeable changes under Ten Hag has been United’s commitment to high pressing. This involves pressuring opponents higher up the pitch to regain possession quickly and disrupt their build-up play. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford are tasked with closing down opponents aggressively, which helps United control the game’s tempo.
While the high press has yielded positive results in some matches, it also demands a high level of fitness and coordination across the squad. Ten Hag continues to work on ensuring that every player understands their role in the press, as any gaps in positioning can leave United vulnerable to quick counterattacks.
2. Building from the Back: Emphasis on Ball-Playing Defenders
Ten Hag values defenders who are comfortable on the ball, as this allows United to build play from the back. Center-backs like Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, as well as new goalkeeper Andre Onana, are encouraged to initiate attacks by passing through the opposition’s press rather than clearing the ball long.
This shift has led to some growing pains, as playing out from the back requires precision and understanding among defenders. Mistakes during the build-up phase can be costly, but as players adapt to Ten Hag’s system, United’s control and fluidity in possession are expected to improve.
3. Flexible Midfield Roles: Dynamic Positioning and Rotations
Ten Hag has made tactical tweaks to United’s midfield structure, focusing on flexibility and fluid rotations. Rather than having one static defensive midfielder, Ten Hag has encouraged fluid movement, where players rotate to maintain balance and offer passing options. For example, Casemiro may stay back to shield the defense, while Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount push forward and create attacking opportunities.
This flexibility allows United to create overloads in specific areas, often outnumbering opponents in the midfield. However, it requires clear communication and discipline from each midfielder, as one mistimed run or lack of coverage can leave United exposed defensively.
4. Overlapping Full-Backs and Wing Play
With Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot, Ten Hag has emphasized the importance of full-backs who can contribute both defensively and offensively. By pushing full-backs higher up the pitch, United can stretch the opposition’s defense, creating space for players like Marcus Rashford and Antony to cut inside.
This tactic has made United’s attacks more unpredictable, but it also places more responsibility on defensive midfielders to cover the spaces left open when the full-backs push forward. Injuries to players like Shaw have made this strategy challenging at times, but Ten Hag remains committed to using full-backs as an attacking asset.
5. Quick Transitions and Counterattacking Threat
While Ten Hag is known for structured play, he also recognizes the importance of quick transitions in the Premier League. United’s pace in attack, particularly with Rashford and Højlund, allows them to quickly transition from defense to attack. Ten Hag has worked on refining United’s counterattacks, encouraging players to find Rashford or Højlund with direct passes to capitalize on open spaces.
This approach has been effective in breaking down teams that press high, giving United the opportunity to exploit their speed on the counter. However, the success of quick transitions relies on precise passing and decision-making, which United has sometimes struggled with under pressure.
6. Tactical Adaptability: Tailoring Strategies for Opponents
Ten Hag has shown a willingness to adjust United’s tactics based on their opponents. Against teams that play a high line, United is more likely to rely on direct play and counters. Conversely, when facing teams that sit deep, Ten Hag encourages more patience, with players looking for gaps and making intricate runs to break down the defense.
This adaptability is a refreshing change, allowing United to handle different types of opponents. However, it requires mental flexibility from the players, who must be prepared to adjust their approach game-by-game.
7. Challenges in Implementing Ten Hag’s System
While Ten Hag’s tactical vision has given United a clearer identity, the transition has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is consistency, as implementing a new style requires time and patience. Mistakes during the build-up phase and lapses in defensive organization have sometimes led to costly errors, underscoring the need for players to fully adapt to Ten Hag’s approach.
Injuries to key players have also hindered United’s progress. The absence of players like Shaw, Martinez, and Varane at different points this season has disrupted United’s backline, making it difficult to maintain the stability required for Ten Hag’s system.
8. Impact on Individual Player Development
Ten Hag’s tactical philosophy has also impacted individual players, as they adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Bruno Fernandes, for example, has been given more freedom to roam, creating playmaking opportunities, while Rashford is expected to stay wide and use his pace to stretch defenses. New signings like Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount are adapting to Ten Hag’s demands, with Højlund growing into his role as the primary striker.
The manager’s emphasis on positional play and pressing has also led to improvements in players’ awareness and decision-making, as they learn to make better choices within the structure of Ten Hag’s system.
9. What’s Next? The Path Toward Consistency
As Ten Hag continues to refine United’s tactics, fans can expect a gradual improvement in consistency and understanding among players. The team is likely to become more cohesive as they adapt to the high-press, possession-based style and become more comfortable with the demands of playing out from the back.
Ten Hag’s approach may take time to fully bear fruit, but the signs of progress are visible. United’s blend of high pressing, flexible midfield roles, and adaptability is slowly but surely building a more resilient team. With time and the addition of key players to fit this style, United may achieve the tactical cohesion Ten Hag envisions.
Final Thoughts
Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United represents a new tactical chapter, combining high-intensity pressing with disciplined build-up play and versatile midfield roles. While there have been challenges, the tactical foundations he’s laying are crucial for United’s long-term ambitions. United’s journey under Ten Hag may have its ups and downs, but fans have reason to be optimistic about the direction the club is headed. The road to consistent success will take time, but with patience and continued support, Manchester United looks to be on the path to becoming a force to be reckoned with once again.