Manchester United’s game has no face. Last year you could forgive ten Hag, now you can’t

Manchester United won in the first league round of the new season, but it must be said that Wolves players definitely deserved at least a point for their performance. And unfortunately for the Red Devils fans, the bland play of Erik ten Hag’s charges was repeated in the match against Tottenham.

Even last season, Manchester United had a very poor start when their showing was not positive at all. The defeats 1: 2 to Brighton and 4: 0 to Brentford speak for themselves.

However, back then, the Hag had only been at Old Trafford for a short while and so it was logical that the players were not yet properly gelled. That improved significantly as time went on. Immediately after that came a run of 4 wins in a row, with strong teams like Liverpool and Arsenal among the opponents.

The performances on the pitch certainly didn’t match that result yet, but there was some development. In addition, the Dutch coach had to deal with the problem with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose departure greatly relieved the team, and other inconveniences.

However, a year later, after two rounds played, there is the same gameplay, with the difference that Manchester United has at least 3 points in the table. Then again, the defeat to Tottenham is certainly no disgrace either.

The positive thing was certainly that Manchester United created chances, even though there were no big chances in most cases, so in the end the Red Devils players scored 22 shots. On several occasions the ball also hit the post on both sides, while at other times the goalkeepers shone.

However, the performance was once again somewhat dismal, with Manchester United once again trailing by a steamer compared to Manchester City or Arsenal. The game has no face and the midfield lacks creativity. The midfield is sluggish and clear evidence of this was centred balls backwards, especially to move the ball forward.

Bruno Fernandes in particular is failing in this regard, however Mason Mount is not contributing either. One of the three big reinforcements this season will certainly do his bit, but he offers nothing extra. Christian Eriksen, who came on in the 66th minute, was a steamer better in this regard last season.

Then, from the first game, the same situation was repeated in attack, with an absolutely drowned Marcus Rashford fighting many a losing aerial duel with the Spurs defence, while Alejandro Garnacho thwarted one chance after another.

Rasmus Hojlund should help significantly in this regard, offering something in attack that no one can replace him in. Thus, the question is whether to try the Anthony Martial option for now, while Rashford would move to the left wing. It worked reasonably well last year.

Garnacho was a great joker again last season, almost always a breath of fresh air on the pitch in the second half. The Hag trusts him though, the question is how long that trust will last.

It might have been much better to put Diogo Dalot on the right flank, who is much better going forward. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is very good defensively, but when the midfield can’t come up with anything, it is the flanks that need help.

The next round will offer a clash with Nottingham Forest, which Manchester United should manage for 3 points. In the last 10 clashes between the two sides this has been the case.

Source: Premier League, Whoscored