Probable Manchester United Starting XI Under Erik ten Hag

Reports suggest that the Manchester United board have been “impressed” with current Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. Their hunt for a new permanent manager may finally draw to a close. They are likely to hold further talks with the Dutchman in a bid to appoint him as the club’s permanent manager ahead of next season.

Preliminary reports suggested current Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino as United’s favoured candidate for the role. But Ten Hag’s “vision and philosophy” for United is said to have majorly contributed to his emergence as the foremost target in recent days.

Ten Hag is, reportedly, said to have held “positive talks” with the club, having expressed his vision alongside enquiring about the club’s budget and plans for the future. However, while the Ajax manager remains the favoured candidate, reports suggest the Dutchman is also on the radar of other clubs in Germany, Italy, and England while United are set to continue interviewing other candidates, with the club’s final decision to be dependent on several factors.

With the Dutchman having garnered numerous admirers amongst the United fan base and Europe as manager of Ajax, Ten Hag is likely to take an ambitious step in his managerial career over the next couple of weeks. Comprising a distinct footballing philosophy that has captivated the eye of several of Europe’s top clubs, he is expected to potentially employ a palpable discipline and structure to the team’s modus operandi, provided he is appointed as United’s manager for next season.

Having already proven his potential in rebuilding teams with a clear identity in coaching them at Ajax, Ten Hag will be keen on improving United’s current set of players alongside fielding a starting line-up capable of executing his orders consistently over the course of the campaign.

This article is the third of a three-part series focusing on the potential assessment of Erik Ten Hag as Manchester United manager, vis-à-vis his philosophy and likelihood of bringing change to the club’s fortunes on the pitch.

Manchester United Starting XI Under Erik ten Hag

Formation – 4-3-3

A high-pressing, possession-based philosophy has seen Erik Ten Hag gradually emerge amongst the hottest prospects in football management in his five years at Ajax. Having rebuilt two captivating sides whilst winning domestic silverware alongside reaching the Champions League semi-final stage, the Dutchman is all set to take the big step in management this summer.

Boasting a win percentage of 73.9%, at an average of 2.34 points per game in his 207 games in charge of Ajax, Ten Hag has proven to be a coach resilient to winning and developing his sides throughout his tenure at the club. Under his management, Ajax have scored a sensational 570 goals whilst having recorded 153 wins, 26 losses, and 28 draws, conceding just 174 goals at an average of 0.84 per game in his five years in charge.

Moreover, by deploying a disciplined and flexible 4-3-3 formation that thrives on foundational structures, ball retention, off-the-ball movement, and attacking fluidity down the flanks, the Dutchman is likely to thrive at United provided he is handed the tools to succeed at the club. Having guided Ajax to two domestic titles after his arrival in 2017, Ten Hag has also proven to be a serial winner in recent seasons. With United seeming keen on employing a manager capable of delivering attacking football alongside instilling academy prospects in their long-term vision, Ten Hag emerges as the ideal candidate for the managerial role at United this summer.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea: While many expect Dean Henderson to challenge De Gea for his starting spot under Ten Hag, De Gea’s experience and consistency could prove vital for the Dutchman during his initial weeks as United’s manager. Although questions persist over the Spaniard’s ability to adapt to Ten Hag’s requirements, the Dutchman is unlikely to displace him anytime soon.

Nevertheless, provided the Spaniard fails to adapt to a new system in which he will be needed to potentially function as a technically adept keeper in possession and build-up play, De Gea’s place could likely fall under threat because of the long-term vision of the new manager at United next season.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): With his impactful attributes lying on the attacking side of the pitch, Dalot will be expected to improve his overall game and discipline, provided Ten Hag is appointed as manager. Ten Hag’s philosophy comprises the utilisation of an inverted pyramid structure in the build-up play. This pyramid structure transitions into a multitude of formations aimed at maintaining fluid passages of play. So Dalot’s technicality could prove vital in Ten Hag’s adopted system at United.

Moreover, the Dutchman requires his full-backs to provide the necessary width in attacking transitions whilst also serving as players capable of being passing options, holding possession, and providing accurate crosses. The Versatile Diogo Dalot emerges as a player capable of finding a new gear under the Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Raphael Varane (RCB): Technically sound whilst having invaluable experience in club football, Varane will be a vital part of Ten Hag’s system at United. Traditionally operating a triangle comprising two centre-backs and a defensive midfielder in the build-up play, Varane’s anticipation and decision making could prove indispensable during the team’s period of adaptation to Ten Hag’s system and philosophy.

Additionally, while employing a high defensive line, Varane’s recovery pace and positioning could help nullify the threats of a counter-attack bound to be met, given Ten Hag’s high-pressing system. Nevertheless, being the team’s most convincing defender this season, Varane is likely to seamlessly slot into the Dutchman’s starting line-up subject to his appointment next season.

Victor Lindelof (LCB): The team’s most improved defender this season, Lindelof has proven to be less of a liability than club captain Harry Maguire throughout the current campaign. With impeccable passing skills alongside a tendency to remain disciplined and carry the ball into the final third, the Swede could develop cutting-edge artistry in his game under Ten Hag.

Moreover, with an understanding of the structure and a penchant for simple football, Lindelof is likely to emerge amongst the first names on the team sheet, provided Erik Ten Hag becomes the Manchester United boss for next season.

Luke Shaw (LB): While Alex Telles is likely to serve as an adequate challenger for the left-back position, Shaw is expected to remain a starter under Ten Hag. A well-rounded player with the ability to contribute across both sides of the pitch, Shaw’s energy and technical attributes could see him redeem himself under the Dutchman. Having previously shown his ability to execute his role diligently, Shaw is capable of emerging as a player favoured by Ten Hag next season.

Midfielders

Declan Rice/Aurélien Tchouameni (CDM): With the club expected to prioritize the signing of a midfielder this summer, either Rice or Tchouameni are likely to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. With Ten Hag’s current system requiring a defensive midfielder capable of executing multiple duties across the midfield, either of United’s potential targets could thrive under the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

He has drilled his current Ajax team into playing short and accurate passes whilst emphasizing on off-the-ball movement to overload the opposition’s penalty box and create space and goal-scoring opportunities across the final third. Ten Hag’s midfielders are likely to be versatile in their attributes. Moreover, with the expectancy to win duels, second-balls and regain possession as soon as possible, either of the club’s reported targets could serve as long-term essentials for the Dutchman’s vision for the club.

Bruno Fernandes (CM): While Fernandes’ suitability to Ten Hag’s system remains questionable, his ability in possession could see him develop his all-around game under the Dutchman. Although far from the disciplined personnel seen at Ten Hag’s Ajax, the Portuguese could be utilized in a deeper role, serving as a valuable asset during the high-press and winning turnovers in possession in a bid to initiate quick transition high-up the field.

Additionally, having been United’s most creative player in recent seasons, Fernandes could undoubtedly thrive under Ten Hag provided he adapts his game to a more flexible and disciplined approach. With a system emphasizing the importance of roles and flexible strategies on the pitch, Fernandes is capable of emerging as a different player under Ten Hag’s management.

Donny Van De Beek (CAM): Although currently on loan at Everton, many expected the Dutchman to revitalize his career at United provided Ten Hag is appointed as club manager. Having been a vital part of Ten Hag’s captivating 2018/19 Champions League side before moving to United, the midfielder is likely to play an important part in Ten Hag’s long-term vision for the club.

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Erik ten Hag — Image obtained via 90min

Van De Beek remained an underutilized player at United. But Ten Hag’s system requires his midfielders to understand the team’s structure and position in transition and possession. This is likely to hand the midfielder the upper hand in claiming a starting spot next season. Moreover, having thrived under Ten Hag during his time at Ajax, Van De Beek’s technical security combined with his consistency in ball retention could provide the necessary balance in midfield for United under Ten Hag’s management.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford (RW): He has been struggling for form this season and considering his future at the club. But a new dawn under Ten Hag could benefit the Englishman next season. While Rashford possesses the potential to improve his all-around ability, a lack of initiative and effort has seen him fail to deliver convincing performances this season.

With Ten Hag’s system requiring his wingers to retain and maintain possession whilst stretching the pitch across the attacking third, Rashford could develop his game suited to the Dutchman’s philosophy next season. Doubts persist over his off-the-ball intelligence and overall work rate. But if Ten Hag sees the potential for improvement, Rashford could cement his place in the starting line-up next season.

Jadon Sancho (LW): Tailored to a possession-based attacking system, Sancho is likely to emerge amongst the team’s most influential players under Ten Hag. He is already one of the few sparks at United this season. He possesses the technical ability alongside the necessary intelligence in executing his role. The Dutchman is likely to see the youngster as his potent weapon in attack at the club.

Moreover, with a similar player in Dusan Tadic at Ajax, Sancho is likely to develop his overall understanding of the role whilst potentially delivering important contributions under Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST): Although he is expected to be rotated after the club signs a striker in the summer, Ten Hag will be keen on extracting the best out of the Portuguese at United. Having shown an undeniable desire to single-handedly win crucial games for the club this season, Ronaldo will be keen on winning a piece of silverware in the upcoming campaign.

While Ten Hag’s system relies on a striker capable of leading the press from the front, the Dutchman will be keen on utilizing Ronaldo’s strengths at United. With the club reportedly keen on signing a striker, Ten Hag will be hoping for a riveting Ronaldo next season.

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