Phil McNulty Q&A: ‘I think the problem is that there is no clear identity to United’s team’published at 10:25 British Summer Time
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Harrison, Johannesburg:
Hey Phil, what’s next for Manchester United? To keep Erik or not and get who?
What exactly is the problem with United, players not playing to the manager’s
instructions or a Manager that’s clueless.
Phil: Hello, Harrison. I think
the problem is that there is no clear identity to United’s team, no obvious
strategy Ten Hag is employing.
Whether it has flaws or
not, and it did not yesterday, you can see exactly what Ange Postecoglou is
trying to do at Spurs. Pace out wide, attacking style, high defensive line. It
is clear.
Look at Arne Slot and
Enzo Maresca at Liverpool and Chelsea in particular. They have barely got their
feet under the desks but you can see Slot is incorporating the best of what
Jurgen Klopp left him with a more measured, controlled style. You can see
Maresca is adopting a very obvious passing style, front to back.
What can you see that is
positively identifiable with Ten Hag? I’m struggling to be honest.
As for Ten Hag’s future?
The reality suggests he is on the brink. He was given an almost reluctant vote
of confidence in the summer and there have been no signs of improvement.