Why Man Utd risk regression unless they rectify midfield issues

 

Under Alex Ferguson, Manchester United often started seasons slowly before roaring back to win the Premier League title. There is no need for panic at Old Trafford yet, then, but significant improvements will be needed if Erik ten Hag’s team are to mount a challenge for the championship this term. 

 

The principal area that needs addressing is midfield. For the second week in a row, United were dominated in the centre of the park. And while they got away with it in a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in gameweek one, they were deservedly beaten 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. 

 

Given how poor the performance was against Wolves, it was a surprise to see Ten Hag stick with the same starting XI for the trip to north London. That meant Casemiro was alone in anchoring the midfield, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount given license to push higher up the pitch.  

 

Had United been more clinical in the first half, their issues in the engine room might be long forgotten. The visitors were the better team in the opening 45 minutes, but they did not make the most of the opportunities they created. 

 

United were made to pay after the break as Tottenham took charge. The hosts overran their opponents in midfield, where Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma established control. That duo was aided by James Maddison who dropped deep to combine, as well as the inverted full-backs Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie. 

 

Bissouma made a total of 51 passes compared to Casemiro’s 36. He also had a better success rate at 88.2% to the latter's 80.6%. Tottenham had more possession overall, yet they were also more effective at breaking up play in central areas. Sarr, Bissouma and Maddison made a combined nine tackles, compared to five for Casemiro, Fernandes and Mount. 

 

 

United lacked legs in midfield. Maddison had the beating of Casemiro, who at 31 is not as mobile as he once was. The Brazilian requires more protection - witness how Wolves forward Matheus Cunha continually ran straight through the heart of the United team last week. 

 

Christian Eriksen, who was brought on in the second half, is not renowned for his defensive bite. Fred, for all his faults, at least provided energy in the centre of the park, but he has been sold to Fenerbahce. Ten Hag does not seem to fancy Scott McTominay, who has been linked with a move away this summer. 

 

The United boss needs to change something, though. It is hard to see how a midfield trident of Casemiro, Mount and Fernandes can work given the latter pair’s attack-minded nature. Eriksen could form a double pivot with Casemiro at times, but in the biggest matches that might not be adequate. 

 

Ten Hag would no doubt like to acquire another midfield option before the transfer window closes on September 1st. Whether he will be able to remains to be seen. Harry Maguire is now staying put, denying United £30m of income that could be reinvested. West Ham United, previously linked with McTominay, now appear to be exploring other options. 

 

Sofyan Amrabat, one of the stars of World Cup 2022, has been spoken of as a potential target for United. The tough-tackling Moroccan would certainly stiffen up the midfield at Old Trafford. Fiorentina are willing to cash in, but Amrabat is on the radar of other clubs - including Liverpool.

 

Whatever happens in the remainder of the window, Ten Hag must find a better balance in the centre of the pitch for Saturday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest. Steve Cooper’s side are at their best when breaking forward at speed, so United will have to be wary. 

 

There is no expectation for Ten Hag’s team to win the Premier League this season, but they do need to show signs of progress from last term. In order to do so, the United boss must go back to the drawing board and come up with a new midfield arrangement.

Why Man Utd risk regression unless they rectify midfield issues