Manchester United will look completely different under the Dutch coach – as his first game in charge so thrillingly underlined
Erik ten Hag has already stamped his authority on Manchester United, with the new manager’s vision evident after just one game in charge. A 4-0 friendly win against Liverpool in Bangkok counts for little in terms of the result – even if the man described inside Old Trafford as “The new Sheriff” and the “The Conductor” has sparked a surge of optimism among fans with his spectacular start.
But it was the insights it offered into his early work that could be more telling.
Ten Hag has had little time to get to know his players – and is operating with a squad that will change significantly by the start of the season, with United working on deals for Frenkie de Jong, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.
But his intensive training-ground approach is already having an impact, with players noting the detailed instructions they have been given and routines set up to ensure his high-pressing, possession-based tactics become second nature.
In just 90 minutes against an, albeit, much-changed Liverpool team, there was ample evidence of what the Dutchman wants to bring to Old Trafford…
GettyHigh pressing
It is remarkable that it has taken so long for a United manager to try to instil this modern approach to a team that has been left behind by Manchester City and Liverpool.
The high press will be pivotal to Ten Hag’s plans – and even if there were doubts about the ability of a squad previously set up to counterattack to take on those principles, his work with them is already paying off.
United repeatedly forced Liverpool into mistakes from which they capitalised. It is the type of high-risk football fans have been crying out for at Old Trafford.
AdvertisementGettyDangers there to see…
It’s not called risk and reward for nothing. On a number of occasions, United were left wide open when the press was broken – notably when Liverpool hit the post twice in the space of a minute in the first half.
The best teams know how to keep hold of the ball to limit the danger of being caught on the break – and they also know how to deploy gamesmanship to cut out fast breaks.
There was a naivety about United at times – as thrilling as their attacking play was.
GettyInterchangeable front three
On paper, a forward line of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford is full of pace, trickery and goals. Getting them to consistently produce has been the biggest issue at United – at least in the cases of Martial and Rashford.
But here they were, showing their immense potential as a front three to give defences nightmares.
Martial, in particular, looked like a man with a point to prove – scoring an excellent goal and constantly chasing down the ball.
Rashford looked as fit as he has in a long time, even if his finishing still needs to be sharpened.
And Sancho was bubbling with menace – intelligently looking to set up team-mates, as well as netting a sweetly-taken opening goal.
Most notable was the manner in which they rotated with all three capable of playing right across the front to drag Liverpool out of shape and create spaces to attack.
GettyAdventure and fearlessness
United have been a tough watch for the majority of the past nine years. Here they played with a freedom rarely seen in recent times.
Players were taking risks, with midfielders racing in to join the attack – and full-backs chasing beyond the wingers.
Ten Hag has repeatedly drilled into his full backs the need to cut inside the forwards to create options or decoys.
Meanwhile, Fred’s wonderful chipped goal from the edge of the area spoke of the confidence the new manager is already instilling into his players.