Manchester United lost their 13th game of the season 2-0 against West Ham on Saturday in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag has been slammed after several decisions he made against West Ham ended up costing him the match.
West Ham ended up walking away with a 2-0 win over United on December 23rd in the London Stadium – in which United broke a record as they once again failed to score.
The loss has left Manchester United in eigth place in the league and with a negative goal difference of -5.
Following the loss – there is a general acceptance that Ten Hag made some poor calls that resulted in the defeat. Here are three things he got wrong against West Ham…
Exposing the young Kobbie Mainoo
Once again – Ten Hag has fielded the midfield of Scott McTominay alongside Kobbie Mainoo and then Bruno Fernandes slightly ahead of them.
However, this has already been proven not to work with McTominay reluctant to stick to his position instead bombing forward which has at times left massive gaps in midfield.
Now – while Mainoo is an incredible talent – the decisions and team choice have left the 18-year-old over exposed on his own against an experienced West Ham pair – he deserves better.
Mainoo has been one of United’s standout players lately and will definitely be getting sick of playing in a pairing with McTominay.
Subsituting Hojlund over Garnacho
Despite exploding into form over the past few months – including that incredible goal against Everton – Alejandro Garnacho has struggled slightly of late.
This through no fault of his own, but rather he’s been too heavily relied upon while Marcus Rashford has been out of form.
In this fixture, Rasmus Hojlund was withdrawn for Rashford which was the wrong call. Despite his struggles to score, the Dane offers something United otherwise don’t have and the side were poorer without him.
Once again – in game decisions cost the boss.
Scott McTominay being shoo-horned into the team
While we have touched on this in a previous section – the issue goes beyond damaging Mainoo.
United have struggled for balance all season in the midfield and today was no different. McTominay has been a regular of late but in the position he’s been playing – he isnt a benefit to the team.
It is possible is solely down to his goals which – given how bad United have been at scoring – are substantial.
But going forward – United need to play Mainoo next to someone like Sofyan Amrabat or use McTominay further forward.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/A7DO8ZC