UGARTE, MAINOO AND ZIRKZEE STARTS: Erik ten Hag release Man United lineups against Liverpool- Leny Yoro backs and many more GOOD NEWS
Erik ten Hag is already facing mounting pressure after Manchester United’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton. This defeat underscored the urgent need for tactical tweaks to the team’s current system, particularly since United has been finding it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities.As the team gears up for a vital showdown against Liverpool, it’s anticipated that Ten Hag will implement substantial changes to his strategy, possibly including a shift to a more balanced 4-2-3-1 formation.
### The 4-2-4 Formation: A Risky Gamble
This season, Ten Hag has been testing out a 4-2-4 formation, a system that seemed promising towards the end of the last season. However, the shortcomings of this approach have become increasingly clear, especially in Manchester United’s recent outings.
The formation leans heavily on Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount playing as false nines, a tactic that has left the team without a true center-forward. This lack of a traditional striker has blunted United’s attacking threat, a weakness that was painfully obvious in the match against Brighton. Without Marcus Rashford performing at his best, United struggled to create any significant chances, exposing the limitations of the 4-2-4 formation.
With these issues in mind, Ten Hag might be forced to reconsider his tactical setup to ensure Manchester United can compete effectively in upcoming matches. The pressure is on for him to find the right balance and return the team to winning ways.Erik ten Hag is indeed in a challenging position following Manchester United’s recent 2-1 loss to Brighton. The defeat has highlighted significant tactical concerns, particularly the effectiveness of the 4-2-4 formation that Ten Hag has experimented with this season.
### Issues with the 4-2-4 Formation
The 4-2-4 formation relies on aggressive attacking play, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount being deployed in unconventional roles as false nines. This setup, however, has not yielded the desired results. The absence of a true center-forward has limited United’s ability to penetrate defenses and generate quality scoring opportunities. Against Brighton, United’s attack lacked cohesion and sharpness, especially without Marcus Rashford performing at his peak.
This tactical approach has left the midfield exposed, relying heavily on two central midfielders to cover large areas of the pitch. The result has been a vulnerability to counterattacks, as seen in the Brighton match, where United struggled to regain control once possession was lost.
### Possible Shift to a 4-2-3-1 Formation
Given these challenges, Ten Hag may pivot to a more balanced 4-2-3-1 formation for the upcoming match against Liverpool. This change could provide several benefits:
1. **Reinforced Midfield**: Adding a dedicated central attacking midfielder, likely Bruno Fernandes, behind a lone striker could help United retain better control in the middle of the park, reducing their susceptibility to counterattacks.
2. **Defined Roles**: A 4-2-3-1 formation offers more clarity in terms of player roles, which can stabilize the team’s structure both in attack and defense. It allows for more natural positioning for players like Fernandes, Mount, and Rashford.
3. **Improved Balance**: This setup provides a better balance between attack and defense, ensuring that United can build up play more patiently without leaving themselves overly exposed.
### Critical Game Against Liverpool
As United prepares for their crucial match against Liverpool, Ten Hag’s tactical adjustments will be under the microscope. The pressure is on to find a system that maximizes the team’s strengths while addressing the glaring weaknesses that have been exposed in recent games. The decision to shift formations could be a defining moment in his tenure, as a win against a major rival like Liverpool could help regain confidence and momentum.
