Man Utd's midfield misery | Match of the Day 2 | BBC Sport
Sports
Introduction
Manchester United's midfield has long been an area of concern, an issue that has persisted since Erik ten Hag took charge of the club. The manager's pursuit of Frenkie de Jong fell short, leading to a summer filled with speculation and chasing other midfield targets. One such target, Sofyan Amrabat, arrived on Deadline Day but was unable to be registered in time, leading to a frustrating scenario where he was seen waving to fans instead of contributing on the pitch.
This situation raises questions about the club's hierarchy and their handling of transfers. The blame cannot rest solely with Ten Hag; rather, the management must also take responsibility for not securing key players earlier in the transfer window. Observers pointed out the lack of depth in the squad, especially on the bench, prompting concerns that the lack of investment in crucial positions is inhibiting the team's performance.
It was conspicuous during the recent match against Liverpool, where United lost 3-0—a scoreline some suggested could have been even more humiliating. Liverpool displayed a slick and cohesive attacking style, in stark contrast to United’s struggles in the final third. Quick attacks without structure often resulted in missed opportunities for United, highlighting the need for more intricate patterns of play.
Questions naturally arise about Ten Hag's tactics and whether Liverpool's manager, Jürgen Klopp, has crafted a more effective game plan in just three games than Ten Hag has in nearly three years. The scrutiny surrounding Ten Hag's position is likely to intensify over the coming weeks, especially after such a disappointing display against a rival team.
While some fans express anger over the performance and results, it’s clear that Ten Hag has invested heavily in building a squad. However, distinct issues remain with recruitment, particularly regarding big signings that haven't yielded the desired results. The balance of the team is missing; Ten Hag needs energy, control, and tactical cohesion to succeed.
It paints a troubling picture for Manchester United, who seem unsure of their identity on the pitch, while top teams like Liverpool have a clear strategy and style of play. The overarching problem appears to stem from the club's recruitment process and alignment between management and coaching staff, leaving the team searching for a cohesive identity.
Keywords
Manchester United, midfield, Erik ten Hag, Frenkie de Jong, Sofyan Amrabat, hierarchy, Liverpool, transfer window, tactics, recruitment, game plan, identity.
FAQ
What has been the issue with Manchester United's midfield?
The midfield has been lacking balance and depth, with a long-standing problem that has persisted since Ten Hag's arrival.
Why wasn't Sofyan Amrabat registered in time?
Amrabat arrived on Deadline Day and was unable to complete the registration process in time to play in front of the fans.
Is the blame solely on Erik ten Hag for the team's performance?
No, while Ten Hag has some responsibility for tactics and team selection, the club's hierarchy also carries blame for inadequate recruitment and support.
How does Manchester United's performance compare to Liverpool's?
Liverpool's attacking style has been cohesive and effective, while United's attacks lack structure, making them less cohesive in comparison.
What needs to change for Manchester United moving forward?
The team needs a clear identity, renewed focus on recruitment, and better support to align with the manager's vision for success.