Erik ten Hag reveals surprise Man United tactic for next season, it solves a big problem

Erik ten Hag has revealed a surprise Manchester United tactic for next season and it could be solving a big problem at Old Trafford.

The Reds begin their 2024/25 campaign this weekend in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

It provides a great opportunity to move into the Premier League season on a high note and full of confidence if they are able to better Pep Guardiola’s side once again at Wembley.

However, one concern for the club going into the new season is how they will score goals. It was something that caused problems last term.

While there is hope that Marcus Rashford can find the form which saw him score 30 goals two seasons back, Erik ten Hag has also identified another approach.

Joshua Zirkzee has been signed this summer, and the manager does not only think that the forward brings new and important skills to the team, but he also believes that he could play alongside Rasmus Højlund in a two-man strike partnership.

“Joshua Zirkzee has skills that we didn’t have yet in this team. Such as his hold-up play, creativity, and dribbling. We didn’t have this skillset yet in the striker position,” he told reporters.

“Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund can play together. They compliment each other.”

This dynamic could allow United to adjust to different shapes and formations in games.

It is also true that the pair could complement each other, with Højlund more likely to be on the shoulder looking to run in behind, while Zirkzee drops slightly and links the play more.

Of course, Højlund will be injured for the first six weeks of the season, which likely means Zirkzee will lead the line on his own in the opening games.

Ten Hag has also suggested that Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes could operate as false-nines in the role.

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