Erik ten Hag’s tactics could break one Manchester United player – he’s going against his own words

Erik ten Hag’s tactics at Manchester United are questionable but the concerning part is that he could break one of the exciting talents at Old Trafford.

Kobbie Mainoo has started all three of United’s opening games this season. He played 90 minutes against Liverpool and Brighton and came off in the 84th minute against Fulham.

This was after the teenager had no pre-season. He joined up with the team at Carrington on August 5 and then played 59 minutes against Manchester City in the Community Shield five days later.

That was all the midfielder had before being thrust back into Premier League action. Not ideal, right? And then you look at how United are being set up.

The new system out of possession can work. We saw its effectiveness in patches over the first few games of the season, but one thing is clear: those midfielders have to work.

Mainoo was involved in 25 (!) duels against Fulham, 16 against Brighton and 16 against Liverpool. He is busier out of possession than he ever was last season and almost any other midfielder in the Premier League.

That can seem great when there’s some success, like against Fulham, and we all know that Mainoo could improve in this area. But when you consider everything, this is concerning for the 19-year-old.

There was no summer break, and he played a crucial role for England at Euro 2024, playing in six of the seven available games and starting five of them. He also started 29 games for United last season despite only making his debut at the end of November.

We all knew that Mainoo could not be relied on as much this season. That’s why two midfield signings were preferable. The worrying thing is that Manuel Ugarte has come in to be Mainoo’s partner, but we do not know who will come in to give him a rest.

Even in this international break, the teenager is heading to play some pointless fixtures with England and will likely start at least one of those games.

Erik ten Hag himself stressed the importance of giving Mainoo rest last season, but his tactics directly make the teenager, who had no pre-season, work more than ever in that engine room.

We saw an uncharacteristic mistake from the United academy graduate against Liverpool. He was pickpocketed on the ball in midfield, which resulted in their third goal. Mainoo is one of United’s most press-resistant players, but these mistakes will creep in when you’re involved in 57 duels in less than three games.

The fact that he has actually had a decent start to the season overall is a credit to Mainoo, but if he continues to be worked into the ground out-of-possession, then there are two big concerns that United need to watch out for.

His in-possession game could drop off, but more importantly, he could become susceptible to injuries with how much work is being asked of him and his midfield partner on the pitch.

Ten Hag is already under pressure this season. One of his biggest strengths is utilising the youth at Carrington, and now he must look to protect them rather than break them.

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