In the case of Manchester United’s recent matchup against West Ham, it became glaringly apparent that Erik ten Hag’s strategic choices had a detrimental impact on the team’s performance.
As we delve into the intricacies of this match, we will explore the critical mistakes made by Ten Hag and how they ultimately sealed Man Utd’s fate.
From defensive vulnerabilities to a lack of midfield adjustments, the repercussions of Ten Hag’s tactical blunders were felt throughout the game.
Stay tuned as we uncover the implications of these missteps and shed light on the concerns surrounding his decision-making abilities.
Key Takeaways
– Trusting youth and not exploring other defensive options was a crucial mistake.
– The failure to control possession effectively was a significant error on Ten Hag’s part.
– Ten Hag failed to acknowledge the midfield imbalance and make necessary adjustments during the game.
– The failure to make timely substitutions was a crucial mistake on Ten Hag’s part.
Defensive Decision: Trusting Youth Over Experience
Erik ten Hag’s decision to trust in youth over experience in the defensive line proved to be a costly mistake for Manchester United. In the absence of Raphael Varane, 19-year-old Willy Kambwala was given the nod ahead of more experienced options such as Sofyan Amrabat or the versatile Luke Shaw. While Kambwala put in a solid debut performance, it is evident that Ten Hag’s decision to rely solely on youth in such a crucial position was a crucial mistake.
Amrabat’s defensive qualities or Shaw’s adaptability could have provided a more stable presence at the back. By not exploring other defensive options, Ten Hag left United vulnerable to the attacking prowess of West Ham. This decision ultimately contributed to United’s lackluster defensive display and subsequent defeat.
Possession Problem: Lack of Control and Impact
Manchester United’s possession problem, characterized by a lack of control and impact, further compounded the tactical blunders made by Erik ten Hag in their recent defeat.
Despite having the majority of possession, United failed to capitalize on it, lacking the ability to control the game and create meaningful chances. This was evident in their matches against both Liverpool and West Ham, as they struggled to break down the opposition’s defense and failed to impose their style of play.
The lack of control in possession not only hindered their attacking threat but also allowed the opposition to exploit their vulnerabilities on the counter-attack. Ten Hag’s failure to address this issue and make the necessary adjustments during the game ultimately contributed to United’s downfall.
It is clear that possession without control and impact is futile, and it is an area that Ten Hag must address if he wants to improve his team’s performances.
Midfield Imbalance: Failure to Adjust and Utilize Players
Ten Hag’s inability to address the midfield imbalance and effectively utilize his players was a critical factor in Manchester United’s downfall. One of the glaring issues was the positioning of Mainoo, who was left deep in midfield while McTominay pushed forward more than Fernandes. This left United vulnerable to counters, as McTominay roamed around without much aim.
Ten Hag could have paired Mainoo with Eriksen, who would have been better suited for the role. Furthermore, Ten Hag’s failure to make necessary adjustments during the game exacerbated the midfield imbalance. The lack of cohesion and control in the midfield severely hindered United’s ability to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
Ultimately, Ten Hag’s inability to address the midfield imbalance and utilize his players effectively proved detrimental to Manchester United’s performance.
Substitution Mistakes: Timely Changes and Ineffective Decisions
The mismanagement of substitutions by the Manchester United manager proved to be a pivotal factor in their downfall. Erik ten Hag’s failure to make timely changes and ineffective decisions had a detrimental impact on the team’s performance.
Despite having warnings and ample time before the first goal, Ten Hag neglected to make crucial alterations in the middle of the park. This meant that players like Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen, who could have made a difference, were not utilized.
Furthermore, the decision to take off Rasmus Hojlund before the hour mark proved to be ineffective, as United struggled to threaten the West Ham goal thereafter. Ten Hag’s lack of appropriate and timely substitutions cost United dearly and ultimately contributed to their defeat.
Help us to Grow! Follow ManUnitedNewsNow.com for the latest updates on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest & Google News.
