Manchester United’s latest defeat against Brighton has already piled on pressure on their manager Erik Ten Hag as the Dutchman is still figuring out the best system and the starting eleven. Despite some promising moments, the 2-1 loss at the Amex Stadium highlighted the need for a tactical change as United’s attack without a traditional striker struggled to create anything substantial.
The 4-2-4 Formation
Ten Hag has been deploying a 4-2-4 formation this season so far, a system that showed promise towards the end of the previous campaign and in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City. The formation, which features two false nines—Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount—offers certain defensive benefits, particularly in helping Casemiro feel less isolated in midfield and controlling possession. However, the drawbacks have become increasingly apparent, particularly in attack.
The absence of a traditional center-forward has left United looking blunt in front of goal. The reliance on wingers to provide the attacking threat has proven problematic, especially when Marcus Rashford looks completely out of form. This was evident against Brighton, where United struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half.
Defensive Frailties Still Exist
While the 4-2-4 formation is designed to enhance United’s defensive solidity when out of possession and help United have numbers in the middle offering protection against counter attacks, the reality has been far from ideal. United conceded two avoidable goals at Brighton, with defensive lapses from Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro playing a significant role. These moments of poor concentration are costing United dearly, and it remains to be seen whether they are purely individual mistakes or a sense of complacency driven by the system they are playing in.
Gary Neville, speaking on the “Gary Neville Podcast,” was particularly critical of United’s defensive organization, saying, “The first goal they conceded was poor. I thought Harry Maguire should have dealt with the first one in, and then should have cut off the space when it was played back inside. Mazraoui should have got closer, and it was poor from Martinez as well.”
Neville also emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline in defensive transitions: “They moved back into usual shape rather than treat it as a second phase of a corner, that was the big mistake they made. It is very difficult to play football without a center-forward. I know it has been done with false nines.”
The Need for a Focal Point in Attack
The biggest issue with the current system is the lack of a focal point in attack. Without a recognized striker, United’s forward line lacks the cutting edge or the goals to play such a system. Fernandes and Mount are both talented players, but neither is suited to playing as a penalty-box predator or to make the appropriate runs into the box, something which is required of a False 9. This has left United’s attacking play disjointed, with too much reliance on wide players like Marcus Rashford, who is currently struggling for form.
The introduction of Joshua Zirkzee in the second half against Brighton provided a glimpse of what United could achieve with a more traditional forward. Zirkzee’s presence alone opened spaces for United’s wingers and Bruno himself to have more time on the ball
Neville further highlighted the problem of playing without a striker, stating, “It is hard to score if you don’t have a good center-forward, let alone a center-forward at all. You need a focal point, someone to run in behind and stretch defenses.”
Time for a Formation change?
As United prepare for their next match against Liverpool, Ten Hag faces a critical decision. The 4-2-4 formation has its merits, but it is not delivering the results that United need. The team requires a tactical approach that better balances defense and attack, one that allows them to maintain their defensive structure while also providing a greater threat going forward.
A shift to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a recognized striker leading the line, could be the solution. This would allow United to retain their defensive shape while also providing the necessary attacking impetus. With the international break approaching, now is the time for Ten Hag to make this change and establish a more consistent pattern of play. Maybe Ten Hag still doesn’t trust his midfield to maintain control and give his defense enough protection but sacrificing a striker is not a potential solution.
Neville urged Ten Hag to find the right balance before the crucial match against Liverpool, saying, *”I think next week is really important before the international break getting a pattern of play, a style of play and a team picked that he believes is his best and go with it.”*
Erik ten Hag has shown tactical flexibility during his time at Manchester United, but the current 4-2-4 system is not the answer. The lack of a traditional center-forward is leaving United’s attack toothless and the defense hasn’t improved.
