Erik ten Hag faces a pivotal test as Manchester United travel to Porto, seeking redemption after recent disappointing performances. Ten Hag has not solved the systemic issues which repeatedly expose United to direct counter attacks. The Liverpool defeat clearly exposed that the 4-2-3-1 was leaving the midfield and the defense exposed, but ten Hag stuck to the same system with just different personnel against Spurs, and the result was the same. United’s FA Cup win arguably saved Ten hag’s job and it was the 4-2-2-2 strikerless formation which won the game for United. So, we expect the Dutchman to switch to a 4-2-2-2 formation reflects a tactical shift, aiming to address the vulnerabilities exposed in their recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Strikerless Setup: The 4-2-2-2 Formation
This revamped 4-2-2-2 setup sees United opting for a strikerless system, with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo alternating as false nines. While this approach lacks a traditional focal point, it comes with significant advantages. Wingers Amad Diallo and Garnacho will stretch Porto’s defense, allowing Eriksen and Ugarte, who form the double pivot, to control possession and dictate the tempo from the center.
The downside of this system, as seen against Spurs in United’s previous 4-2-3-1, was the lack of runners in behind and the limited presence in the box during key attacking phases. Tottenham exploited the gaps between United’s defensive and attacking lines, leaving Casemiro and Ugarte overwhelmed in midfield transitions. By switching to a 4-2-2-2, Ten Hag aims to close those spaces, bringing more stability with an additional midfield presence.
Tactical Discipline Off the Ball
One of the major positives of this formation is United’s improvement off the ball. Against Fulham, this system enabled Ten Hag’s side to press effectively, as Lisandro Martinez’s aggression combined with the energy of Ugarte and Mount to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play. United’s defensive line will be higher, pushing Porto back and controlling large spells of possession.
Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, the center-back pairing, will be pivotal to this pressing game, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui providing support from the full-back positions. While Eriksen will be tasked with creative responsibilities, Ugarte’s role will be essential in covering ground and winning back possession, ensuring United doesn’t get overrun as they did against Spurs.
Key Absences and Injuries
United will have to contend with the absences of Mason Mount, out due to injury concerns, further limiting Ten Hag’s midfield options. However, this provides an opportunity for Christian Eriksen, who has shown glimpses of his class, to step up in midfield alongside Ugarte and for Mainoo to play a more advanced role partnering with Fernandes.
Joshua Zirkzee, though not in the starting lineup, could play a crucial role off the bench, offering a more direct threat should United need a focal point later in the game. Meanwhile, Rasmus Højlund is available for selection after recovering from injury and could feature at some point.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-2-2):
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Mainoo, Garnacho.
Conclusion
As United travel to Porto, the switch to a strikerless 4-2-2-2 formation reflects Erik ten Hag’s attempt to address the issues that led to the Spurs debacle. This tactical reshuffle emphasizes pressing and possession control, key factors that could determine whether United can bounce back and claim their first Europa League win of the season.
