Five problems for Erik ten Hag to deal with after Manchester United defeat

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Manchester United’s winning run came to an end against Crystal Palace, and an unbeaten run was ended by Arsenal.

Now after these two disappointments in the space of a week, Erik ten Hag must pick his side up, ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

This might not be so easy, and taking a view to the rest of the season, there are some issues building up for the manager to deal with.

Here is a look at four problems the Manchester United manager needs to tackle…

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

David de Gea and the long-term goalkeeper situation

David de Gea is an outstanding shot-stopper, the best Manchester United have. But the holes in his game are there for all to see, and have been for some time now.

De Gea is not good enough with his feet, and this was a weakness which led to Arsenal’s first goal. Instead of encouraging the team to pass back to him, Ten Hag needs to work around this.

In the short-term, the manager can mask his flaws, and he may even come out of the side for Tom Heaton this week, with Ten Hag rotating in the Carabao Cup so far.

From a long-term perspective, United will be considering their options. A report in The Telegraph this week claimed United are considering Brentford’s David Raya.

Fatigue beginning to impact United’s performances

Manchester United’s players returned from the World Cup with a spring in their step and a winning run kept the momentum going. That’s now come to an end.

The team has looked fatigued over the past couple of games with poor second half performances against Palace and Arsenal.

The fixture schedule is relentless, with United expected to play twice a week between now and May.

While a blip was expected at some stage, United’s players need a lift. Erik ten Hag needs to rotate and use his squad to prevent burnout becoming a factor, and every player needs to step up.

Attacking options appear light

There is a problem in attack right now with Anthony Martial injured and Jadon Sancho still lacking fitness.

Ten Hag does not trust Anthony Elanga or Facundo Pellistri to contribute in Premier League games right now, but this may have to change, if he wants to keep his other options fresh.

Alejandro Garnacho has been useful lately – but Ten Hag chose not to use him against Arsenal. The manager either needs to use the options he has, or push for more.

Search goes on for a statement away win

Erik ten Hag has presided over big wins at home over Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Away from home it has not been so pretty. A loss at City, a draw at Chelsea, and now defeat at Arsenal.

Visits to Tottenham, Newcastle and Liverpool lie ahead later this season. Manchester United need to win one of these, to prevent this becoming an issue for Ten Hag.

The manager has made great strides since taking over. However, a big away win over a top league rival, is a box he is yet to tick.

Lack of midfield depth highlighted

Donny van de Beek‘s injury and Casemiro‘s suspension served to highlight a lack of midfield options available.

Considering two of his options are Scott McTominay and Fred, two players who are not of the level United need long-term, there is not enough quality there.

Too much is being asked of Christian Eriksen, while a reliance on Casemiro came back to bite the team in midweek.

In an ideal world United would sign a player to replace Van de Beek. It may not be too late to explore the market for a loan signing.