Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium was a significant result for Erik ten Hag’s side, but it wasn’t just the scoreline that caught the attention of a particular United legend. In his post-match analysis, the former Red Devil highlighted how Ten Hag made key tactical adjustments that directly contributed to United’s dominant display.
The United legend, whose name wasn’t revealed immediately, praised the manager for his ability to turn the tide of a match, stating, “Erik ten Hag knows exactly what to do, only if he wants to win a match… I don’t know why he’s not doing it every time.” The legend went on to discuss three critical changes Ten Hag made that helped secure the win over Southampton.
1. Restoring Defensive Solidity
One of the key areas Ten Hag focused on for the match against Southampton was Manchester United’s defensive shape. In recent fixtures, United had been leaking goals due to lapses in concentration and defensive disorganization, but this time, they were much more compact and disciplined at the back.
In particular, Ten Hag’s decision to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, who had only recently signed from Bayern Munich, paid dividends. The Dutch defender slotted into the backline and added a calming presence. His partnership with Lisandro Martínez was commanding, as the pair dealt with Southampton’s attack with relative ease.
The legend pointed out that Ten Hag had learned from past mistakes, ensuring that the defense stayed tight and didn’t give away any easy chances. “Matthijs de Ligt’s presence brought calm to that defense. Ten Hag knows exactly what this guy can do, and his leadership at the back was vital. They were no longer making the silly mistakes we’ve seen in other matches.”
Moreover, United’s full-backs, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, played more conservatively, supporting the central defenders instead of venturing too far forward. This approach helped United limit the space Southampton had to exploit, especially after their quick counter-attacks.
2. Switching to a More Balanced Midfield
The second thing that made a huge difference was Ten Hag’s decision to change the midfield dynamics. Casemiro, who had struggled in the previous match against Liverpool, was dropped in favor of Christian Eriksen, allowing the Danish playmaker to operate in a deeper role.
Eriksen’s calmness on the ball and ability to dictate the tempo from deeper areas allowed Manchester United to maintain possession and control the game. His link-up play with Bruno Fernandes was key in keeping Southampton under pressure throughout the match.
The unnamed legend emphasized this decision, saying, “Christian Eriksen was pivotal in this match. When Erik is playing, United’s midfield has much more fluidity. His vision and calmness under pressure gave Bruno and the forwards the freedom to push higher up and make things happen.”
The introduction of Manuel Ugarte for the last 15 minutes added steel to the midfield as United looked to close out the game. Ugarte’s defensive tenacity allowed United to see out the game comfortably, limiting Southampton’s chances in the closing stages.
3. Bringing Rashford and Garnacho into Form
The third adjustment that the United legend praised was Erik ten Hag’s tactical use of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Both players have had somewhat inconsistent starts to the season, but Ten Hag managed to extract their best performances against Southampton.
Rashford, in particular, was back to his best. After scoring his first Premier League goal since March, he looked confident and sharp, making intelligent runs in behind the Southampton defense. Rashford’s pace and finishing ability were crucial in giving United a comfortable 2-0 lead before halftime.
The legend stated, “Marcus Rashford, when he’s in form, is a nightmare for defenders. Ten Hag made sure Rashford was constantly involved, and his positioning was spot on. It’s the kind of tactical awareness from Rashford and trust from the manager that’s been lacking at times.”
Meanwhile, Garnacho, who came off the bench, was equally impactful. His direct running and fearlessness in taking on defenders led to Southampton’s Jack Stephens receiving a red card after a poor tackle on the young Argentine. Garnacho’s late goal sealed the victory for United and showed just why Ten Hag trusts him as a game-changer.
Why Isn’t He Doing It Every Time?
Despite these positive adjustments, the United legend couldn’t help but express some frustration. He praised Ten Hag for these decisions but questioned why the Dutchman doesn’t apply these methods consistently. “Erik ten Hag is clearly a great coach, but sometimes I wonder why he doesn’t make these kinds of decisions every week. He knows exactly what works—it’s about being consistent with it.”
This comment underscores a recurring theme around Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United. While he has shown tactical flexibility and the ability to outthink his opponents, there have been moments of inconsistency where the team fails to deliver, particularly against stronger opposition. The legend’s critique points to the need for Ten Hag to trust these winning formulas more regularly, especially in key matches where United can’t afford to drop points.
The Path Forward for Manchester United
With Manchester United doubling their points tally to six from four games, the win against Southampton provides a much-needed morale boost. However, the upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and a Carabao Cup clash with Barnsley will be crucial in determining if Ten Hag can maintain this momentum.
The legend’s critique resonates with many United fans who feel that, while Ten Hag has the tools and players to succeed, he must show more consistency in his tactical decisions. Players like Rashford, Fernandes, and De Ligt have proven their worth, and the key will be maintaining these high standards as the season progresses.
The Red Devils have a deep squad with quality players at their disposal. Still, it’s up to Ten Hag to ensure that his tactical approach, team selection, and game management are spot on every time. As the Manchester United legend rightly pointed out, Ten Hag knows what it takes to win—now, it’s about making sure he applies those lessons in every game.
Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton was a glimpse of what Erik ten Hag’s side can achieve when things click. The adjustments he made—restoring defensive solidity with De Ligt, using Eriksen’s calmness in midfield, and bringing out the best in Rashford and Garnacho—were key to the win. However, the post-match analysis from the United legend serves as a reminder that Ten Hag’s tactical brilliance needs to be more consistent.
If Ten Hag can implement these winning formulas on a more regular basis, United could well find themselves competing at the top of the Premier League table. The question remains whether he will continue to apply these lessons in the weeks ahead. If he does, Manchester United might finally see the consistency and success they have been yearning for since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.