Manchester United went into the World Cup break on a high, winning 2-1 against Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to a stoppage-time winner by substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
Under Erik ten Hag, who took charge in the summer, Man United suffered an appalling start as they lost to Brighton and Brentford in their opening two games. Ten Hag has turned it around at Old Trafford and the Red Devils have since come a long way to sit fifth in the table after 14 games, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.
As the World Cup break is in full swing, it is perhaps the best time to run an analysis of Man United’s season. That being said, here are three things we have learned till now.
#Erik ten Hag ruthless with his team selections
Erik ten Hag has already shown his ruthless side while selecting teams on many occasions.
Whether that be dropping Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract has been terminated now with mutual consent, at Chelsea after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham, or leaving an underperforming Harry Maguire on the bench for long periods this season, Ten Hag has demonstrated that he has no room for emotions.
In simpler words, “Perform or Perish” has been Ten Hag’s mantra to make his Man United squad strong, exciting and competitive. Even if he has brought in a few of his former players to Old Trafford, the Dutchman has shown no favouritism whatsoever while picking his teams.
And things seem to be working well for Ten Hag with the Red Devils improving leaps and bounds.
#Man United need a new right-back
Ten Hag knows Diogo Dalot needs genuine competition at right-back to ensure he continues to develop at Man United.
Dalot has enjoyed a renaissance under the new United boss, establishing himself as the first-choice right-back this season. He has started all but one of 13 games, and while competition was hardly rife given Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s offensive limitations, the Portuguese international has thrived down the right flank in Ten Hag’s system.
As for Wan-Bissaka, the 25-year-old made just one appearance so far this term, with injuries hampering him at Old Trafford. Even after returning to full fitness, Ten Hag has frozen Wan-Bissaka out of his team, apparently signalling the board to cut him loose in the January transfer window and sign a new right-back to cover and compete with Dalot.
When Dalot was suspended against Fulham, Ten Hag used Tyrell Malacia at right-back when he could have handed Wan-Bissaka an opportunity. Thus, a new right-back is a must-buy as early as January for the Red Devils.
#Ten Hag has got his signings spot on
Ten Hag’s new signings deserve massive praise. Lisandro Martinez has adjusted well to the Premier League after a rough start and has played a huge role in tightening Man United’s backline. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have improved the midfield in many ways, while Antony has entertained and excited the Old Trafford faithful from the right flank.
Tyrell Malacia may still be a backup to Luke Shaw at left-back but he has done more than enough to prove that the £14.7m spent to sign him from Feyenoord is a solid long-term investment.
All the new signings have played their part in the squad rebuild this season, demonstrating to the fans that Ten Hag should be backed wholeheartedly in future windows.
