Since the second half of the Premier League season, Manchester United are perhaps the most in-form team in the country. Erik ten Hag, tasked with finally bringing stability to Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson’s fifth permanent successor, is determined to make his maiden season in English football a successful one. The Dutchman, who arrived in the summer from Ajax, suffered a tough start to the campaign but is now finally reaping the rewards of trusting his philosophy, something that could pay dividends come the end of the campaign.
Indeed, United could well end their seven-year trophy drought with victory over Newcastle United in the League Cup final, but Ten Hag’s ambitions are far greater than a sole domestic competition. With their Europa League hopes still intact after a solid performance at the Nou Camp, and a winning run that has them firmly residing in the Premier League top four, the football odds are tipping United for a successful season, and one that could end as their best since Ferguson’s departure now a decade ago.
After dealing with the mess of the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, Ten Hag won a lot of respect. But what else has he done to inspire such a valiant run of form since the turn of the year? Read on, as we look at the little tweaks Ten Hag has made to United that have made them such a powerhouse throughout the second half of the season.
Positional changes
One of the most interesting things to note about Ten Hag’s United is the versatility he has instilled within his players. Luke Shaw’s composure on the ball has let him slot into centre-back, Wout Weghorst’s deceptively intelligent link-up play meant he could play as a 10 and collect the ball between the lines in Europe, and Jadon Sancho’s great technical skill compensates for his lack of pace and dynamism by playing in a more central role. Ten Hag’s ability to profile the players he inherited and combine them with smart recruitment and flexibility — both in terms of formations and positionally — are subtle, yet essential adjustments to play to the strengths of of every player in his squad.
The Rashford influence
The key ingredient to the Ten Hag cocktail this term has been Marcus Rashford. After deputising for the majority of England’s World Cup campaign, Rashford has returned a man possessed out on the left wing, becoming the most integral component for United this season. With 14 league goals so far, the injury-riddled Rashford of the past, a player lacking identity and confidence, is dead and buried. The 25-year-old is in the form of his life and if he can remain consistent until the end of the campaign he could be the difference maker in securing Champions League football amongst other silverware coming to the Theatre of Dreams.
Away form
Ten Hag’s ability to inspire United on the road has been a big reason for their success. As well as late winners against Fulham and Leeds United, how many teams can go to Barcelona and compete for the full 90, to the extent that a draw was a frustrating result. The way they killed the League Cup semi-final first leg at the City Ground was impressive against Nottingham Forest, and with some tough tests to come including trips to Anfield and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it will be interesting to see how away points can influence United’s season as we approach the business end.
