Ten Hag Wins, But United's Issues Remain

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Post on Oct 31, 2024

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Ten Hag Wins, But United's Issues Remain

Manchester United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but the win did little to quell the growing concerns surrounding the team's overall performance. While Erik ten Hag's tactics and team selection proved effective in the end, the game highlighted several persistent issues that need to be addressed if United are to truly challenge for silverware this season.

A Familiar Story of Missed Chances

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, United struggled to find the back of the net consistently. Marcus Rashford, the team's top scorer, missed several gilt-edged chances, while the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho also failed to capitalize on their moments in front of goal. This lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring theme for United throughout the season, and it remains a major area of concern.

Defensive Fragility Remains a Worry

Although they emerged victorious, United's defense again looked shaky. Palace's lone goal came from a set-piece, highlighting the team's vulnerability in this area. While Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the defense, the full-backs and midfielders still struggle to maintain consistent defensive discipline. This vulnerability could prove costly in more challenging matches against stronger opposition.

Tactical Flexibility Still in Question

While Ten Hag's tactical approach worked against Palace, questions remain about his team's adaptability. The manager has favored a specific style of play, relying heavily on possession and a high-pressing game. This strategy has been effective against weaker teams, but it remains to be seen how well United can adapt to different game situations and opponents.

The Midfield Conundrum

The midfield continues to be a point of weakness. While Casemiro has added much-needed experience and solidity to the team, the lack of a dynamic, creative presence in midfield is a noticeable deficiency. Bruno Fernandes, although capable of brilliance, has often struggled to find consistency, while Christian Eriksen's injury has further hampered the team's options in this department.

A Step Forward, But a Long Way To Go

Despite the win, it's clear that Manchester United have a lot of work to do if they are to truly challenge for the top honors. Ten Hag has shown that he is capable of building a formidable team, but he needs to address the persistent issues that are holding them back. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether United can finally bridge the gap to the top teams in the Premier League.

The key takeaways from the game are:

• While the win is a positive sign, the performance was not convincing.
• The team still struggles with finishing and defensive stability.
• Tactical flexibility and midfield creativity remain concerns.

Overall, the victory is a welcome one, but it should not overshadow the ongoing challenges that Manchester United need to overcome if they want to reach their full potential.