Luke Shaw could be set for a new Manchester United role (Image: Getty)
If signs of tactical progress should be cause for managers to keep their jobs then will just about hang on at for now. But the Dutchman will have a pressing dilemma when Luke Shaw returns to fitness this month.
Ten Hag has overseen a largely disappointing start to the season in terms of his team’s results. His side sit 13th in the , four points above the relegation zone, and were easily beaten 3-0 by last Sunday.
But a developing playing philosophy should be sufficient evidence to INEOS that progress is being made. In recent matches, while the results have been negative, there has been a clearer game plan than there has been throughout Ten Hag’s two years in charge.
When United build possession out of defence, left-back Diogo Dalot has moved into a central midfield role alongside whoever is playing as the defensive midfielder. Noussair Mazraoui, playing at right-back, proceeds to tuck in alongside the central defenders.
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Against Crystal Palace in particular, Dalot’s movement into midfield helped United control the game, a 0-0 draw which the Red Devils were unfortunate not to win with relative comfort. Inverting a full-back is nothing new in the – it is a tactic popularised by ’s and used to similarly good effect by ’s .
An extra midfielder in possession can create an overload in the middle of the pitch, allowing for an extra passing option. It also guards against counter-attacks if the ball is lost, with most counter-attacks flowing through the middle.
But Shaw’s return presents Ten Hag with a dilemma. The 29-year-old is at his best as a more traditional left-back, playing wide and supporting attacks with crosses. He has also played at centre-back but is not associated with moving into midfield and helping a team dictate possession.
The England international is comfortable on the ball, though, and could be trained to play the role. Less marauding up the left wing and a more static midfield position may even preserve Shaw’s fitness and prevent the frequent hamstring injuries which have limited his impact at Old Trafford for the past year.
Erik ten Hag could introduce Luke Shaw to a new Man Utd position (Image: Getty)
Ten Hag’s new system could be even more beneficial with banned. It allows for two central midfielders to join the attack and play high alongside the striker. Against FC Twente, Christian Eriksen benefitted from being more advanced, firing home United’s only goal in the 1-1 stalemate.
Fernandes’ three-match suspension has been overturned by the system could still present an opportunity for Mason Mount to come into the United team. Mount is a better presser than Fernandes and may help the Red Devils win back possession better than they did against Spurs.
Ten Hag will also hope to have Kobbie Mainoo available, with the teenager more useful when he plays higher up the pitch in possession.
Reports suggest that United will give Ten Hag until the October international break to prove he can turn the club’s form around. The Dutchman must persist with the tactical system that has provided cause for optimism.