Manchester United in trouble waters

The 2023–24 season has brought a mixed bag of results for Manchester United, with notable highs and unexpected lows.

While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, several challenges have hindered their early-season form. Here are two significant reasons contributing to Manchester United’s mixed performances:

1. Key Players Absent Through Injury and Personal Issues

Manchester United has been hit hard by injuries and personal issues affecting some key players. The absence of Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw due to injuries has significantly weakened the defense, disrupting the team’s stability at the back. Varane, in particular, is a crucial figure in the backline, and his absence has been keenly felt.

On the attacking front, the team has faced disruptions, with Jadon Sancho and Antony experiencing personal problems. Sancho’s reported fallout with manager Erik ten Hag has raised questions about the team’s harmony, while Antony’s involvement in a personal legal matter has left United without a genuine right-winger.

The lack of right-wing options in the squad has forced Marcus Rashford to play out of his preferred position on the right flank, affecting his natural game. While United managed to secure the loan signing of left-back Sergio Reguilon, he alone cannot address the defensive issues entirely.

The challenging circumstances surrounding these players’ absences have tested United’s squad depth and raised questions about their ability to adapt to changing situations. The likelihood of these issues being resolved in the near future remains uncertain, with Varane being the only player expected to return soon.

2. Players Deployed Out of Preferred Positions

Another factor contributing to Manchester United’s mixed form is the deployment of certain players out of their preferred positions. Manager Erik ten Hag’s tactical choices have occasionally forced players to adapt to unfamiliar roles within the team.

Notably, Bruno Fernandes, a natural No. 10, has been tasked with playing on the flanks at times, compromising his effectiveness in his preferred central role. This tactical shift has been most evident in United’s 4-4-2 diamond formation, where Fernandes operated just behind the two strikers.

Hannibal Mejbri, who has shown promise in a central attacking midfield role, has also had to adjust to changes in his positioning. This adaptation has disrupted the team’s fluidity and impacted Fernandes’ contributions.

Additionally, the absence of a genuine right-winger, compounded by Antony’s personal issues, has led to Marcus Rashford occupying the right flank. Rashford’s preferred position is on the left, and his performance has been affected when deployed on the opposite wing.

Ten Hag’s attempts to incorporate Christian Eriksen or Mason Mount as defensive midfielders alongside Casemiro have also faced scrutiny, with questions raised about the effectiveness of this approach.

While the inclusion of Sofyan Amrabat is anticipated to improve the midfield situation, it remains uncertain how these tactical adjustments will evolve over the course of the season.

shadow looms large over Old Trafford.

In the midst of Manchester United’s triumphant 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the third round of the Carabao Cup, a shadow looms large over Old Trafford. The rift between manager Erik ten Hag and English winger Jadon Sancho has become the talk of the town, with neither party showing signs of reconciliation.

Sancho, once a pivotal figure in Manchester United’s attacking lineup, has been conspicuously absent from the matchday squad for five consecutive games. This absence stems from a public fallout with Ten Hag, who cited Sancho’s lackluster training performances as the reason for his omission during the team’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal earlier this month. Sancho’s swift rebuttal on social media, which has since been removed, only added fuel to the fire.

 

 

The situation escalated when Sancho, in a move that surprised many, deactivated his Instagram account. When probed about this and the possibility of mending fences with the winger, Ten Hag remained tight-lipped, stating, “I don’t talk about players who are not available.” On the topic of Sancho’s social media actions, the Dutch manager simply responded, “I don’t know. It’s up to him.”

 

 

The standoff has raised questions about Sancho’s future at Old Trafford. Having been acquired from Borussia Dortmund for a hefty £73 million two years ago, offloading the winger might prove challenging for Manchester United. Sancho’s recent performances, coupled with public knowledge of his training issues, could deter potential buyers. Rumors of a return to Borussia Dortmund have surfaced, but concerns over Sancho’s discipline during his tenure there make such a move seem unlikely.

 

 

Despite the ongoing saga, Manchester United showcased their prowess against Crystal Palace. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, and Anthony Martial sealed their passage to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. New midfield recruit, Sofyan Amrabat, made a notable debut, while Mason Mount marked his return from injury. Youth talent Hannibal Mejbri also earned praise for his midfield performance.

 

 

Reflecting on the victory, Ten Hag expressed satisfaction, noting the team’s dominance and control throughout the match. “There is a lot to come, but we are moving forward,” he added.

 

 

As Manchester United prepares to face Crystal Palace again in the Premier League, the spotlight remains on the Sancho-Ten Hag impasse. With key players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes set to return to the starting lineup, the Red Devils will be keen to maintain their momentum on the pitch, even as off-field dramas continue to unfold.