Erik ten Hag claims unlikely Manchester United star ‘can play anywhere’, he could be tactical dynamite

Erik ten Hag has revealed the one Manchester United star that could offer him significant tactical flexibility during 2024/25.

Having concluded their pre-season tour, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad has returned to the United Kingdom to finalize their preparations for the 2024/25 season.

Key players such as Lisandro Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo, who were involved in the 2024 European Championships and Copa America, missed out on pre-season but have now arrived at Carrington after their extended holidays.

Read More: Erik ten Hag addresses Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazaroui’s transfer situation with clear message

As the new season approaches, United are set to face Fulham at Old Trafford on the Premier League’s opening day. Before that, they will take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday, August 10.

While the two Manchester clubs had different fortunes in the Premier League last season, it was United who emerged victorious in the FA Cup, defeating City 2-1 in a thrilling final, and the club will want to start their next season with a bang.

Højlund suffered a hamstring issue against Arsenal in Los Angeles, and so Jadon Sancho took his place as a false nine in the XI for the remaining fixtures against Real Betis and Liverpool, where he performed well.

Speaking in his recent press conference, Ten Hag was asked if Sancho would continue his role in that position. The Dutchman then explained that he feels the 24-year-old can play anywhere across the front line and maybe a dynamite option to consider from a tactical perspective.

This is rather unlikely praise, considering that Ten Hag shunned Sancho from the squad last season after a public spat surrounding the star winger’s playing time.

“Jadon can play across the whole frontline,” Ten Hag explained to reporters. “He’s an option for more than one position and it depends how you set up the team, you can look at your own tactics, opponents that fit the best and Jadon had some abilities you can use in a game, tactics and the next game.”

Ten Hag also highly praised Mason Mount, calling him a “high-class” footballer who may have a big impact at United during 2024/25. He was one of United’s best performers across pre-season.

“We know he’s a high-class player and just bringing skills in,” Ten Hag said. “Last season, he had a very bad season, a very tough season for him because of all injuries.

“Now we are very pleased he had a good pre-season and I’m sure from this point on he will contribute to the team if he stays fit, it counts for every player.”

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