Manchester United were taken apart by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, suffering a crushing 3-0 defeat that left fans and pundits alike questioning whether Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach is part of the problem. For a club with such a rich history of success, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something drastic needs to change – and fast.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have been through their fair share of dismal performances. However, few have been as alarming as the Spurs demolition, where United were consistently outclassed, outnumbered, and outmaneuvered from start to finish. The tactical shortcomings were glaring, with Spurs finding space in every area of the pitch, running rings around the Red Devils. But how did United fall apart, and more importantly, how can it be fixed?
The Core Issue: A Disconnect Between Defense and Attack
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Ten Hag’s fundamental tactical flaw is his insistence on playing with a deep defensive line and a high attacking unit. This has created a massive gulf between the two halves of the team. While the defense sits deep, the forwards remain high up the pitch, leading to isolation and a lack of support in both defense and attack. United end up with six players in defense and four attackers, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the lone connector. This imbalance forces the team to rely on long, low-percentage passes, which are easy for opponents like Spurs to intercept.
Why a Shift to 4-3-3 Is the Solution
Ten Hag has been utilizing a 4-2-3-1 formation, but it’s time to abandon it. The current setup fails to give United the control in midfield they desperately need. A 4-3-3, on the other hand, would allow for greater midfield stability, especially with Bruno Fernandes out due to suspension. Deploying Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Christian Eriksen in midfield would not only add balance but also provide better ball retention and more fluid transitions between defense and attack.
The 4-3-3 system allows for more midfielders to press, win back possession, and dictate the tempo, something that the current 4-2-3-1 fails to accomplish. With three midfielders, United would be able to close the gap between their defense and attack, preventing the opposition from exploiting the large pockets of space that have been their downfall.
Full-Back Issues and the Mazraoui Conundrum
Another tactical concern is how Ten Hag’s full-backs are used. Currently, they play too wide and advance forward, leaving massive gaps on the flanks for opposition wingers to exploit. Even with a player like Noussair Mazraoui, who is supposed to provide width and attacking support, the system hasn’t worked as planned. Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie made light work of Mazraoui, exposing the lack of defensive coordination. A tactical shift to a more compact 4-3-3 would allow the full-backs to join the attack more efficiently while ensuring they are not left vulnerable defensively as the midfielders can cover for them.
Individual Errors and Struggling Signings
Beyond the tactical issues, there’s also the question of individual performances. Too many of United’s key players have been out of form, with Jadon Sancho’s departure and subsequent resurgence at Chelsea being a stark example of how mismanagement is affecting performances. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, and even Bruno Fernandes have struggled to reach their best under Ten Hag’s system.
Time Is Running Out
While Ten Hag may still have some backing, especially after securing a contract extension, the patience of United’s new ownership, Ineos, will be tested if these issues aren’t addressed immediately. Their track record at OGC Nice suggests that they won’t hesitate to make managerial changes if they don’t see progress.
In short, Ten Hag must change his approach now. Switching to a 4-3-3 could be the tactical reboot United needs to get back on track, providing better balance and control in midfield while giving their star players the platform they need to perform. Without this adjustment, United will continue to fall short, and the pressure on Ten Hag will only increase.
