Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has indicated a potential shift in tactics upon the return of key striker Rasmus Hojlund. United’s campaign has been marred by recurring injuries, continuing from the previous season, which saw the team struggle to maintain consistency and form. With Hojlund’s imminent comeback and the return of other vital players like Mason Mount, Ten Hag now has the opportunity to recalibrate his attacking approach.
Injury Woes Continue to Haunt Manchester United
Manchester United have been suffering from a series of unfortunate injuries that have stretched the squad thin. Ten Hag, who faced a difficult season last year largely due to this issue, has seen the problem persist into the current campaign. The injury list includes key players such as Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw, all of whom have yet to feature in a competitive match this season. Hojlund, who was seen as the answer to United’s long-term striker problem, suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season in a match against Arsenal and has since been sidelined.
The injury forced Ten Hag to rotate his available forwards, limiting his attacking options. However, Hojlund has now returned to training, and this has offered the Dutch manager some much-needed relief. With Manchester United preparing to face Crystal Palace in an upcoming Premier League fixture, the squad may finally see some of its key players back in action.
In a pre-match interview, Ten Hag expressed optimism about the return of his players, particularly Hojlund, who he believes will significantly improve United’s attacking prowess. “It’s always a great moment for a manager when your key players become available again. Rasmus had a tough pre-season; it was nothing short of a disaster for him. He has worked incredibly hard, and now he’s ready to return,” said Ten Hag.
New Formation on the Horizon?
The return of Hojlund has sparked discussions about a potential tactical shift at Manchester United. Ten Hag, known for his tactical flexibility, has hinted that Hojlund could be paired up front with Joshua Zirkzee, a young striker who has impressed in Hojlund’s absence. Zirkzee, who joined United in the summer, has quickly adapted to the team and has shown an impressive ability to hold up play and bring others into the attack. His strong performances have given Ten Hag an option to potentially play with two central strikers, a setup that could offer new attacking dimensions.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag suggested that the duo could form a partnership upfront. “We brought in two young forwards, and it’s clear they can play together, but they can also rotate depending on the game situation. Having players with different profiles is essential, and it gives us tactical flexibility,” he said.
This statement has led to speculation that United may shift from their traditional formations, such as the 4-2-3-1, to a system that accommodates two central forwards. A two-striker setup would give Ten Hag options to vary his approach depending on the opposition, especially when competing in the Premier League and various cup competitions.
The Challenges of a Two-Striker Formation
While the idea of playing two strikers is exciting, implementing such a formation at United comes with challenges. United have struggled with maintaining possession and winning the ball back in high-pressure situations, especially when faced with top-tier Premier League opponents. Adopting a two-man strike force could further expose the team’s vulnerability in the midfield by reducing the number of players available to control that area of the pitch.
Additionally, Ten Hag would have to ensure that the system doesn’t hinder the effectiveness of United’s standout players, particularly the wingers and playmakers. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad have all enjoyed excellent starts to the season, and each player operates best on the flanks, utilizing space and pace to create chances and score goals. A system with two strikers, such as a traditional 4-4-2, would limit their opportunities to play in their preferred positions. It could also force creative talents like Bruno Fernandes to drop deeper into midfield, which may reduce his influence in attacking areas.
A more feasible option would be a 3-5-2 formation, which has been used by Ten Hag in the past during his tenure at Ajax. This system would allow for three central defenders, freeing up the wing-backs to provide width while also including two central strikers. However, even this formation would present challenges for players like Garnacho, Rashford, and Amad, who thrive in more expansive roles.
The Tactical Dilemma
The dilemma for Ten Hag revolves around how to maintain a balance between United’s current strengths—particularly the attacking trio of Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad—and incorporating Hojlund into the side. Rashford and Garnacho, in particular, have been among United’s most consistent performers this season, regularly contributing goals and assists. Amad, though often utilized as a substitute, has shown flashes of brilliance that make him an exciting option in wide areas.
Fans have voiced their desire to see these three play together, and many are skeptical about whether a two-striker system would be in the best interest of the team. Dropping one of them to accommodate a front two of Hojlund and Zirkzee might limit the team’s overall offensive output. Nevertheless, having the option of playing with two strikers could prove invaluable in certain match scenarios.
Internal Competition Could Boost Performance
Despite the tactical challenges, Ten Hag believes that the increased competition within the squad will drive better performances across the board. Speaking on the importance of competition for places, he remarked: “Internal competition is healthy for the team. We have more than 11 players capable of starting, and it’s my job to pick the best team based on the opposition and the match circumstances. Some decisions will be tactical, others based on load management, especially as we have many games to cover this season.”
Hojlund’s return, along with the presence of other young talents like Zirkzee, means that players will need to fight for their starting spots. This, Ten Hag hopes, will create a culture of accountability and high performance within the squad, something that has been lacking in recent years as United have struggled to return to their former glories.
What Lies Ahead for United?
As Manchester United look to improve on their start to the season, the return of key players such as Hojlund and Mount could be pivotal. However, much will depend on Ten Hag’s ability to successfully integrate these players into his existing system without compromising the strengths of others in the squad.
The possibility of a formation change adds an extra layer of intrigue to the team’s tactical outlook, but the Dutchman must tread carefully to avoid destabilizing the progress made so far. United’s best players, particularly the wingers, must be given the opportunity to flourish, while Hojlund’s return should serve to enhance, not complicate, the team’s attacking dynamics.
It remains to be seen how Ten Hag will approach the upcoming matches, but fans will be eager to see whether Hojlund’s return can spark a more consistent run of form for a side that has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Ultimately, the manager’s ability to strike the right balance could define the success of Manchester United’s season.
In conclusion, the potential tactical changes herald a new chapter for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. With Hojlund back in contention and other players regaining fitness, the club has a chance to regain momentum. However, the key will be maintaining a system that allows all of United’s best players to thrive, something Ten Hag will need to navigate carefully in the coming weeks.