Ten Hag believes Man Utd are on the up ahead of Everton trip
Erik ten Hag is over 18 months into his Manchester United project, but he already looks destined to regress from a successful maiden season in charge. Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle United was a new low in a troublesome campaign, and the visitors’ pitiful performance was no surprise based on a damning post-match image.
Anthony Gordon’s fourth goal involvement in as many Premier League games in the 55th minute saw Newcastle run out 1-0 victors at St James’ Park.
But the result flattered Ten Hag’s side, who were second best in every department from referee Robert Jones’ first whistle to the last.
United recorded just one shot on target and 0.48 xG as they slipped down to seventh, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.
It was United’s fifth game of the Premier League season against top-half opposition and their fifth defeat. They haven’t won away from home at a top-eight side since 2021.
Newcastle were levels above the Old Trafford giants in terms of their hunger for victory and quality.
But more concerningly for Ten Hag, Eddie Howe’s side looked significantly better drilled in real-time, and the proof is in the post-match pudding.
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United’s midfield has been a clear issue this season. One of the sources has been operating with a low line, leaving the team wide open rather than compact to allow for a more effective system on and off the ball.
Against Newcastle, and not for the first time this term, the Red Devils didn’t seem to know when to press and when to maintain their shape.
They weren’t working as one unit, which Howe has thrived at since his appointment on Tyneside. And it shows on both teams’ passing network charts.
There is a blatant shape to Newcastle’s, indicating that every player knew their role and stuck to it perfectly, helping the hosts control the game.
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But United’s couldn’t be more contrasting. You wouldn’t be able to guess what formation Ten Hag started with by looking at his stars’ average positions.
Kobbie Mainoo is further forward than Bruno Fernandes, while Scott McTominay appears to be playing on the right wing ahead of Marcus Rashford.
It left a gaping space between United’s attack and defence that Newcastle became the latest team to take advantage of.
Ten Hag retains the backing of United and most of the fanbase. But he has spent £400million on transfers, only for his players to grow more inept at following tactical instructions. That’s a huge concern.
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