Updated 26 Aug 2023 1:28 pm:
Manchester United head coach Erik Ten Hag has played down suggestions that there is a midfield issue at the club in the early stages of this season.
The Premier League giants secured a vital win when they locked horns with Wolverhampton in the beginning of the season. Despite facing an array of attacking threats from Wolves, United were able to grab the three points as Raphael Varane’s header in the second half made all the difference for the club.
While it was an important victory questions were raised about Manchester United’s midfield. The midfield trio consisting of Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes were unable to pull the strings and make a bigger difference for the Red Devils.
After registering a vital victory in their first match the Red Devils took on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on the 19th of August. The Red Devils were poised to make a big difference yet again when they took on Spurs.
However, their performance wasn’t up to the mark as the club failed to find the back of the net.
While it was an evenly contested match with both teams having the same shots on target Tottenham were the one to come out on top.
Tottenham’s energetic midfield helped make the difference while United’s midfield failed to pull the strings yet again.
A defeat to Tottenham raised a lot of questions about the player’s performances.
While every player was criticized for their performance, the United midfield was at the center of the criticism.
Ten Hag was asked about the midfield issues during his press conference to preview Saturday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
The Dutch manager insisted that the problems developed from “the back and the front”, which contributed to the team’s openness in their first two games.
“You always have to analyze clinically and that assessment is not right,” Ten Hag told reporters. “It was about the back and the front, not about the midfield. That is why we were open. Nothing to do with the midfield. I said that straight after the game.
“I have no doubts [about our fitness]. They can do it. After 35 minutes against Spurs, they didn’t do it anymore but after the first game we were first across the rank of fitness.”
Ten Hag was quick to play down any midfield issue however it’s worth noting that United are proactively looking to sign another midfielder given Fred’s departure and Scott Mctominay’s uncertain future at the club.
Sofyan Amrabat has been on United’s radar as the club is keen on plotting a move for the Morrocan star given the quality he would bring to the midfield.
A transfer for the versatile midfielder could be on the cards as the player himself is keen on a move to Old Trafford. However, a move can materialize only when Fiorentina gives the green signal.
Manchester United will look to open talks with Fiorentina as soon as possible.
The Red Devils will take on Nottingham Forest on the 26th of August.
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