Title: Manchester United’s Tactical Shift: Unleashing Scott McTominay and Addressing Defensive Woes
Amidst a tumultuous season for Manchester United in 2023/24, Erik ten Hag faces tough decisions in shaping his lineup for the upcoming clashes, including the pivotal encounter against Arsenal. With just four games remaining, including an FA Cup final showdown against Manchester City, United are eager to salvage their season and end on a high note. However, their recent form, marred by a solitary win in eight games, underscores the challenges they face in securing positive results.
The Looming Defensive Crisis:
Manchester United’s current standing paints a grim picture, with the Red Devils languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, tallying a mere 54 points. Despite the slim three-point gap separating them from coveted Europa League and Conference League berths, the underlying statistics reveal a far bleaker reality. According to Understat, United’s expected points total plunges to a dismal 42.49, placing them 14th in the league table.
Navigating the Injury Minefield:
Erik ten Hag’s tenure has been marred by an unprecedented onslaught of injuries, with a staggering 60 cases plaguing his squad throughout the season. Key players such as Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have spent significant spells on the sidelines, further exacerbating United’s woes on the pitch.
The Return of Christian Eriksen:
As the Dutchman grapples with his team selection, the imminent return of Christian Eriksen adds another layer of complexity to the equation. Despite his limited involvement this season, Eriksen’s potential inclusion raises questions about the midfield dynamics and tactical approach for the clash against Arsenal.
Assessing Eriksen’s Impact:
Eriksen’s truncated season, punctuated by injury setbacks, has seen him feature sparingly for United, tallying just 25 appearances across all competitions. While his pedigree and experience are undeniable, his fitness concerns and fluctuating form have relegated him to a peripheral role within the squad.
A Tactical Conundrum:
With Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence and Bruno Fernandes’ indispensability in midfield, Eriksen finds himself on the fringes of the starting lineup. A lackluster performance against Crystal Palace further compounds his predicament, casting doubts on his inclusion for the upcoming fixture.
Enter Scott McTominay:
Amidst the tactical reshuffling, Scott McTominay emerges as a pivotal figure in Ten Hag’s plans. Despite facing uncertainties about his future last summer, McTominay has blossomed into a key contributor, tallying ten goals across all competitions. His prowess as a box-crashing midfielder, coupled with his physicality, presents a compelling case for his inclusion against Arsenal.
Embracing McTominay’s Strengths:
McTominay’s evolution as a box-to-box midfielder underlines his importance to United’s tactical blueprint. His ability to capitalize on crosses and deliver crucial goals has been instrumental in salvaging points for the team throughout the season.
A Managerial Endorsement:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s praise for McTominay as a “physical monster” underscores his invaluable contributions to the team. As Ten Hag deliberates over his selection dilemma, McTominay’s track record of delivering under pressure could tip the scales in his favor.
The Tactical Gamble:
As United brace for a showdown against Arsenal, Ten Hag faces a pivotal decision regarding Eriksen’s involvement. McTominay’s physicality and goal-scoring prowess offer a compelling alternative, potentially reshaping United’s midfield dynamics and bolstering their chances of disrupting Arsenal’s title aspirations.
