2 Ways Manchester United Would Line Up Under Erik ten Hag Finally Revealed

Erik ten Hag has been touted as a leading candidate to become the permanent Manchester United manager at the end of the season.

So, what is his coaching philosophy and how would the team look under his guidance?

Ten Hag’s coaching Philosophy

In his own words, here’s what Ten Hag thinks about ‘building’ teams. Quoted by The Athletic, he said: “All coaches want the same thing: to have a team that’s being remembered 20 years late.

“You only do that by applying a philosophy, like the one Michels, Cruyff and Van Gaal had.”

United are currently struggling to rebuild their identity and all the talks of a ‘cultural reboot’ isn’t doing much to make a difference on the field.

The Red Devils look far from challenging for trophies and it could even be argued that we’re still stuck in the past, trying to emerge from Sir Alex Ferguson’s shadow.

How Man United could Line Up Under Erik ten Hag

Ajax are usually set up in a 4-3-3 but Ten Hag has also used a 4-2-3-1 set-up at the club. Keeping that in mind, here’s what the Red Devils could look like:

Option 1: 4-3-3

For this set-up to truly thrive, United need a proper defensive midfielder.

Our options for that role right now are Nemanja Matic, Fred, and perhaps Scott McTominay.

That could be the only reason why this system doesn’t produce high-quality results from the get-go.

Meanwhile, there’s been speculation about Ronaldo quitting the club if we don’t qualify for the Champions League next season.

If that happens, Mason Greenwood could be the next choice for the striker’s role as Edinson Cavani’s future is uncertain as well.

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Option 2: 4-2-3-1

This set-up is very similar to what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deployed during his time at the club.

It’s an XI we’re all familiar with and one that’s given us big wins in the past.

We have to let go of Van de Beek here to accommodate McFred (although Ten Hag might not shy away from experimenting) in midfield. And Dalot stays at right-back simply because of his ability to supply crosses, which is a key part of Ajax’s gameplay.

Ten Hag doesn’t stick to just one formation on a regular basis and that’s why he could alternate between these two set-ups at United.

It’s what would work best with the current team – unless, of course, we bring in reinforcements in the winter window.