Erik ten Hag explains Man United tactical change which fans have picked up on

Manchester United are heading towards the end of their 2024 pre-season tour and Erik ten Hag has explained that one tactical change that some fans have noticed.

The Reds won 3-2 against Real Betis on Thursday morning, and it was an impressive performance from Ten Hag’s men.

Despite the defeat against Arsenal, the first-half team provided some positive moments during that encounter as well.

While there have been several changes noticed so far, some fans have picked up on the role of the fullbacks in the press. They have been much higher in order to join the press, and that has helped United force opposition into errors.

It was particularly successful against Real Betis and this was an issue for much of last season. Ten Hag’s side would press well at points but the fullbacks would be too deep and so there wold usually be an easy out ball for the opposition.

With the wingers tucking in more and the fullbacks – Harry Amass and Aaron Wan-Bissaka – backing up the press, Ten Hag’s side is in much better shape to remain compact but also offer the threat of turning over possession.

Ten Hag has explained that he wants the team to be ‘very aggressive’ even when they are forced to defend deeper. The manager suggests that it is not always about the height of the defensive line but instead about learning the pressing triggers, working intensely and as a team in those moments.

“What we want to achieve is to be very proactive and very aggressive,” he told club media after the win in San Diego.

“It doesn’t matter if we are sometimes high or sometimes in a bit of a lower block – we have to be very aggressive.

“To get this, we need to start the press on certain points so we’re all on one page. Then the intensity must convert to being with the ball, and we must do this as a team.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.