Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has consistently defended his tactical approach amidst scrutiny over the team’s performances. His philosophy centers on aggressive pressing and dynamic attacking play, with formations often shifting between 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or a 4-4-2 diamond to adapt to different match situations.
Despite these strategies, the team has encountered challenges, particularly in defensive transitions, leading to vulnerabilities during counterattacks. Critics have pointed out that while the pressing system aims to dominate possession and disrupt opponents, it has occasionally left the defense exposed, especially when possession is lost in advanced positions.
In response to such critiques, ten Hag has maintained that the issues stem not from the tactical setup but from individual errors and lapses in execution. Following a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, he attributed the loss to mistakes made by players rather than flaws in the tactical plan.
Furthermore, ten Hag has emphasized the importance of players adapting to his system and earning their positions based on performance, irrespective of their status or transfer fees. He highlighted that all players, including high-profile signings, must demonstrate their value and fit within the tactical framework through consistent effort and effectiveness.
Overall, ten Hag stands by his tactical philosophy, focusing on refining execution and addressing individual performances to enhance Manchester United’s competitiveness.