Erik ten Hag’s potential formation change at Man United impacted by “cautious approach” to star

Erik ten Hag’s potential formation change at Manchester United has been impacted by the club’s “cautious approach” to one star.

The Reds have had a difficult start to the season, managing just one Premier League victory in their first three matches.

A 3-0 loss to rivals Liverpool followed a last-minute defeat to Brighton. Despite a promising opening win against Fulham, Erik ten Hag’s side still has a lot of work ahead.

The manager could consider changing the team’s shape in the upcoming weeks, but one potential adjustment seems to have been delayed.

Ten Hag’s potential formation change impacted

Ten Hag has previously hinted that he could change to a two-man strikeforce once Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee are both fully fit.

“Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund can play together. They compliment each other,” he said during a Dutch interview at the beginning of the season.

Ten Hag added: “I think we have two young strikers who have the potential to grow into top-class strikers in Højlund and Zirkzee.”

Of course, United have played a 4-2-2-2 formation in recent games with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount acting as false-nines, so it could be a similar setup but with two more recognised strikers.

However, a new ESPN report claims that United will take a cautious approach to Rasmus Højlund’s recovery from injury, even if it means keeping him sidelined longer than initially expected.

Højlund sustained a hamstring injury during United’s pre-season tour. The club initially targeted a full recovery after the international break, which would have potentially seen him return for the upcoming game against Southampton.

Yet, any potential change to a two-man strike force will have to wait until United are fully comfortable with bringing Højlund back into the fold.

Zirkzee & Hojlund could work

This could be a setup that works for United, who have struggled in front of goal under Ten Hag and are looking for ways to make their attack click.

Bruno Fernandes’ role in the team would have to be slightly different, with the club captain either playing further wide but tucking inside during certain moments or playing deeper in midfield.

However, with Zirkzee liking to drop slightly deeper and link play while Højlund prefers to stay on the last line and use his pace in behind, they could suit as a pairing up front.

Ten Hag will likely be testing it out at some point this season but United fans will have to wait a little while.

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