Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool once again exposed the lack of identity and style of play under Erik ten Hag.
It has been a major criticism of the Dutchman during his first two years at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have had great one-off performances under Erik ten Hag but it is still difficult to pinpoint exactly how he wants his side to play.
That was evident again in United’s defeat to Liverpool with the Red Devils lacking balance and structure in midfield after starting the match by pressing high.
With Ineos now in charge and investing heavily this summer, Ten Hag will be under immense pressure from the club’s hierarchy to implement a clear style of play.
Man United have become too predictable
After starting brightly against Liverpool, United reverted to unorganised chaos once the visitors took the lead. Unfortunately, that is a recurring theme under Ten Hag.
United rely far too much on individual brilliance and counter-attacking football. If they ever plan to transition into a possession-based side that is a big issue.
Using pacey forwards to run in behind can be a great strategy in certain matches, but for United it often feels like there is no plan B when things don’t go their way.
Virgil van Dijk’s comments after the match only strengthen that argument, with the Dutch defender stating that Liverpool were well prepared to deal with United’s forwards.
“Joshua Zirkzee plays now as a striker for them but I know he likes to drop and receive the ball to his feet,” Van Dijk said.
“We know they like to do this passing in behind but we nullified it quickly.
“Our game plan worked. We kept patient.”
It’s true – runs from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were gobbled up time and time again by Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. United have stung Liverpool like that in the past and they have clearly learned from their mistakes.
There was a moment in the first half when Van Dijk strode into the United half and beat Zirkzee to a pass, springing a Liverpool attack. These were not just empty words from the defender.
Man United must evolve under Erik ten Hag
United are too one-dimensional in their attacking approach.
Van Dijk says Liverpool prepared for runs in behind and their preparation paid off with United looking toothless, especially in the first 60 minutes.
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Zirkzee’s two best chances came late on when United were able to sustain attacks and get balls into the box from out wide.
United actually finished the match with superior possession (52 percent) to Liverpool, which is a start, but turning that into threatening attacks and taking control of matches is the next step. And it’s a big one.
It is hardly the most pressing issue at United after the midfield performance against Liverpool, but United’s coaching staff, including new assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, have plenty of work cut out for them to make sure United have multiple ways to hurt teams.
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