Questions are being asked of coach Erik ten Hag after Manchester United’s 0-1 h.ome loss to Crystal Palace
Manchester United fans have come up with many theories about the team’s lack of success in recent years. The common denominator among the revolving door of managers is the constant and malevolent presence of the owners, the Glazers.
On the field, what has been a disappointment throughout Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure has been the ‘McFred’ midfield of Scott McTominay and Fred, who served a purpose but were rather lacking in ambition.
This was phased out by Erik ten Hag last season, permanently in the summer when Fred was sold to Fenerbahce.
Speaking after Manchester United’s defeat to Crystal Palace, expert Ian Wright questioned what he considered a lack of a suitable game plan.
He told the Kelly and Wrighty Show:
“They can’t blame McTominay and Fred anymore, it’s not them, they have a different midfield.
“It’s the same result. No game controls, no game management.
“It’s all about getting the ball to Rashford or Antony, beating them one-on-one and getting the ball through. That’s really their game plan, that’s all I can figure out, because I don’t know what else they do.
“78% possession and nothing really remarkable from there. They pass the ball to areas that cannot harm the teams.
The Manchester United midfielder is in the process of completing his work
Last season, Manchester United replaced the midfield with the trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen has struggled since returning from injury last season, especially away from home, and United have brought in Sofyan Amrabat to bolster things.
However, this weekend Amrabat had to replace the left-back position due to the injury crisis, and the trio of Amrabat, Casemiro and Fernandes have not yet played together.
Eriksen is always left on the bench, with Mason Mount given priority, and the trio of Mount, Fernandes and Casemiro have not convinced at all this season.
United started this trio against Wolves, Tottenham and Crystal Palace, winning one and losing two. Wright is right, this combination shows no signs that together they are capable of controlling a game and this was a concern for some fans when this midfield arrangement was first proposed first be considered. This weekend, against a team behind, Eriksen could be the best option.
As for McTominay, he’s had his chances this season and has only played at a mediocre level. If he takes the field this weekend as a starter, some of the blame will certainly lie with him.
Wright makes the valid point that this is a puzzle that Erik ten Hag must try to solve. Kobbie Mainoo’s return from injury could help.
