Introduction
The Red Devils had a taxing start to the season, losing their opening two games against Brighton and Brentford. A wave of criticism washed away after their heroic performance against Liverpool. A 2-1 win at Old Trafford changed the mood in the red side of Manchester. They have gone on to win three games at a bounce, defeating the current league leaders on the way, Arsenal.
This write-up will look at the changes Erik ten Hag has made to his team and the impact of the transfers on the play style.
Starting Trouble
Erik ten Haag is known for his free-flowing possession-based attacking football. A tactical philosophy that he tried to implement immediately at Manchester. However, it is not a system that can be quickly integrated into a team unfamiliar with it. United did not have the personnel capable of doing so either.
Erik ten Hag found this out the hard way. A bruising 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton and a 4-0 thumping away at Brentford. In both games, the team tried to play out from the back, keep possession, and attempt to break down the opposition. None of which worked.
The high possession data reveals the team's willingness to keep the ball in both games. Their passing accuracy and percentage of total short passes (85.2% and 86%) show the same. They created most of their chances from open play and none through counter-attacks.
There is nothing wrong with adopting such a style, but the team mustn't overturn possession in dangerous areas. They must be able to break down low blocks and take shots from threatening areas. Again, neither of which they could do.
Loss of Possession VS Brighton
Loss of Possession VS Brentford
(source: whoscored)
Shot Zones - Manchester United
(source: whoscored)
Against Brighton and Brentford, there are numerous instances when they lose the ball and have conceded during the transition.
The shot zone map reveals their problems in attack. Accentuated further in the game against Brentford. They had zero attempts in the six-yard box. Their xG for the game was a disappointing 0.8.
The Turnaround
The gloomy mood in Manchester before the game against Liverpool was discouraging. However, once the game started, the United faithful came together to instill confidence in the players. Apart from an uplifting atmosphere, ten Hag's change in tactics paid dividends. They played on the counter, taking advantage of the opposition's high line and utilizing the pace of the offensive players. Slightly reminiscent of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era.
From thereon, United started to play quicker and more directly. As Eriksen played in the double pivot, the ball moved quickly from back to front. The new center-back partnership of Varane and Martinez worked too, providing defensive solidity at the back. The pair are capable of spraying accurate long balls into the channels. The new-look front four without Ronaldo was more fluid, and positional rotation was effective. A win over last season's title challengers was enough for adopting a similar style in the next three games.
The salient data series we should focus on is possession percentage, chances from counterattacks, conversion rate percentage, through balls, and long balls. These stats mirror United's direct style of play.
It is easier to find space in the opposition's defensive half when they are in transition and leave wide gaps of space to exploit. Creative players such as Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes thrive in playing precise through balls and line-breaking passes. Rashford, Sancho, Elanga, and Antony can use their pace against a retreating defense effectively. All of these, have contributed to United's recent domestic success.
The Changes
Although we have not delved into ten Hag's tactical nuances, we have established his style of play. Direct attacking football. We will now comprehensively look at the changes to the team's approach.
The decrease in average possession and passing accuracy displays United's willingness to give up the ball and play riskier passes on the counter. The chances decreased through open play and increased through other means shows the same.
The increase in shot efficiency is reflected by the shot conversation rate. Their change in pass types embodies their head-on approach to games as well.
Impact of Transfers
After spending more than £200m this summer, Manchester United has improved their squad. By comparing the replaced players against the ones signed, we can identify aspects of the team they have strengthened.
Lisandro Martinez
(source: sofascore)
Malacia
(source: sofascore)
Eriksen
(source: fbref)
Casemiro
(source: fbref)
Antony
(source: sofascore)
Conclusion
United has responded to the early troubles rapidly and with strength. Although expectations should remain realistic, Manchester can be optimistic. The season ahead will present difficult times for the team, but with ten Hag at the helm, the club is in safe hands.
Manchester United is rebuilding. This season should result in progress more than anything else. The fans and players must sense that the team is heading in the right direction at last.
A long season is ahead for the Reds. The club must get this campaign right. It feels like they have reached the tipping point. The club could either be at the beginning of a long-term project or the start of another catastrophic downfall.
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