The gloomy December 2023 gave way to 2 happy months in early 2024. There have been many wins but the "Red Devils" have not been convincing in their playing style. However, in the current context, winning is the best, the motto for Erik ten Hag and his team to aim for at any way.
Since 2019, only last season has Man United won a ticket to the Champions League and it came under Ten Hag. They even won the League Cup. Therefore, the formula for a Champions League ticket + 1 title could be the standard for M.U to continue to aim for this season.
Ole Solskjaer once helped the team play explosively and impress in the Champions League but was left empty-handed. That has been a problem for many coaches like Solsa since the end of Sir Alex's era.
Man United are playing more actively but the principle that Ten Hag has put forward is the style of controlling and changing state quickly has not been realized. In addition, the uneven squad distance in many matches has damaged The Red Devils' goal many times. To reach the level of operating as a machine, Manchester United is not yet ready to take shape. They are learning from each match and gradually gaining experience.
There have been times this season when Man United have scored more goals than expected goals (xG) and the number of chances that could lead to goals (xGA). Because he could not find a way to play smoothly, Ten Hag had to stir up a lot. When the new method of operation fails, the number of opportunities is significantly reduced. The strikers, who are not "barrier kills", have to endure many tactical fluctuations, so some have not been able to maintain their form.
Manchester United at the moment is a team that is quite good at direct attack but very weak, only above average in terms of pressure intensity in the 20 teams participating in the Premier League.
When asked about his recent good results, especially his 3-game winning streak, Ten Hag dared to say that those were very fragile results. The vulnerability here does not necessarily come from the defense having many loopholes, it also lies in the fact that the strikers missed too many opportunities. In the match against Luton, there were 3 good situations where the strikers could score but they could not do so. If that continues, the advantage in the race could disappear from the "Red Devils" at any time.
Leaving aside the negativity, one of the bright spots at the moment is Rasmus Hojlund. When the Danish striker plays well, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will benefit from having more space. In addition, although there is still much controversy over influence, for the attack to play well like that, Bruno Fernandes' role must be recognized.
If in the coming time, the remaining pillars such as Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana improve their performance, Man United will be viewed as better and more even.
