Arsenal legend Ian Wright tells Manchester United what to do in attack
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is aware that Manchester United had a great first season under Erik ten Hag and showed promise for the first time in many years. They even managed to win the Carabao Cup beating Newcastle United and ending a long trophy drought.
Everyone expected the Red Devils to build on an impressive start and push higher this season. The transfer window was quite productive for Manchester United as they made some interesting signings, reinforcing many important positions.
However, a combination of poor form, off-field issues and injuries have meant that Erik ten Hag has not once had the chance to call upon his first-choice XI in a game. Understandably, any team is bound to struggle.
Interestingly, one position that United hardly reinforced this summer was defence, where most of the injuries have unfortunately occurred. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia got injured and the club signed Sergio Reguilon on loan as an afterthought, only for him to get injured as well.
It is a totally different story in attack though. They signed Rasmus Hojlund who started the season injured but has returned in some style. Marcus Rashford has been battling poor form. What happens with Anthony Martial, no one knows.
The big ones though have been Antony and Jadon Sancho, both missing out due to off-field controversies. All this has meant that the Red Devils have looked utterly toothless in attack and have needed a moment of brilliance or two to win games.
Speaking on BBC Match Day, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has a few suggestions for United on how to improve their attack
“I think they’re playing safe. I think that they can pass in areas where they can hurt teams more. Brentford defended well, but they’ve got to start playing in areas where it’s going to make Brentford uncomfortable. When they do want to pass it through, it’s slow and it’s sloppy – it’s not right. The players commit themselves and then it’s a comedy of errors. With these one-on-one situations they try to get their wingers in, they’re relying on individuals too many times. Rashford had to beat three or four people at one time. Hojlund then went into a situation where he was one versus four, trying to do something but with not enough support around him”
Ultimately, the solution is basic. United need to start being braver on the ball. They need to make things happen rather than wait for it to happen. It is unfathomable to believe that a team that has Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount is struggling to create chances.
Rashford is another tough one to handle. He keeps blowing hot and cold and this seems to be one of his coldest phases. When he will recover his form and confidence – no one knows but Man United will be hoping it comes sooner than later.
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The international break provides the best opportunity for Erik ten Hag to revisit his tactics and come up with a good plan. Let’s see if the team is more functional when club football returns. For the sake of our season, we hope it happens soon.
