The latest transfer news around Manchester United should bring fans a lot of excitement with the players that they are making bids for and have interest in.
But reading into the tactical profile of each of the potential new signings and there is a pattern emerging that Manchester United are in the middle of a rebuild to reach a new style of play.
Ten Hag’s Ajax success
During his time at Ajax, Erik ten Hag liked to play in a much different way to the style he has deployed at Manchester United.
Ajax’s style was built around possession, midfield overloads, counter pressing and beautiful attacking play.
There are certain stylistic elements that were part of the Ajax DNA, which he deployed and helped him team have impressive stints in the Eredivisie and the Champions League.
Ten Hag’s Ajax was full of high footballing IQ players who were able to play through presses, read games well, and make testing third-man runs to catch out opponents.
This is something that has been lacking at Manchester United. Some fans have been critical of the manager for not being able to replicate these ideas. Could this be about to change?
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Zirkzee and De Ligt expected to sign
Summer 2024 may signal a change for Manchester United. Ten Hag has done well to be pragmatic and play with the squad that he has been given.
But now there are lots of exciting individuals joining the club, plus those returning from injury should be able to shape the style of the team so that Erik Ten Hag can play his preferred tactics.
First of all defensive additions will be a brilliant boost to the team. Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer would ensure that the Manchester United team will be better able to play out from the back and that the defence can make line breaking that have been absent from the team this season, especially with Lisandro Martinez’s injuries.
In 2023/24 the team were fifth for Key Passes and eighth for Final Third Passes showing a lack of progression.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo could also be one of the most important additions to the squad as he can work as a single screening player or in tandem with Mason Mount, like the style Erik Ten Hag deployed at Ajax.
Mainoo’s role at the base of midfield with his athleticism, his ability to play out from a press and amazing passing abilities means that Manchester United have a world class midfielder.
Mason Mount will then be able to help with a more pressing style. The fact that Manchester United were tenth for pressing, as measured by their PPDA, last season signals their lack of ability to win balls further up the pitch and make sure that turnovers in possession are not costly. Mount’s return means that he will be like a “new signing”.
Joshua Zirkzee can allow for a more creative frontline. The bulk of chances from the Manchester United team were laid on by Bruno Fernandes making the team a little more limited in their style. Moreover, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and De Ligt will add these creative elements across the pitch.
- READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd summer target who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho
Ten Hag making changes
It can be seen that there is a project going on at Manchester United and that patience in Ten Hag can pay off if the right personnel are brought in.
The comparison can be made to other clubs that took a few seasons to be able to get back to competing at the top due to the need for a squad overhaul. This is what is currently going on at Manchester United.
In fact, the club could be said to be ahead of schedule as during these difficult times the team has still managed to win two trophies.
Signing De Ligt and Zirkzee mean that Erik Ten Hag can get as close as possible to his desired style in 2024/25.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/HqciQ51