Erik ten Hag says two surprise Man United players are crucial to improving defensive transitions

Erik ten Hag has suggested that two players in his Manchester United team will be crucial to improving the team during defensive transitions.

Erik ten Hag made two changes to Manchester United’s starting lineup for their Premier League match against Southampton, with Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen replacing Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro.

Southampton began on the front foot, putting United under pressure and forcing several crucial saves from André Onana.

The first pivotal moment came when Diogo Dalot brought down Tyler Dibling in the box, but Onana saved the penalty.

Shortly after, Matthijs de Ligt headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross to score his first goal for the club, followed by Marcus Rashford doubling the lead with a low shot past Aaron Ramsdale.

United controlled the second half, and although Joshua Zirkzee missed a chance, substitute Alejandro Garnacho completed the 3-0 win with a late goal.

Ten Hag on the role of Man United’s fullbacks

During his post-match press conference, Ten Hag was asked about how Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui were both taking turns in moving centrally and whether it was a tactic to make the midfield more solid after facing difficulties against Liverpool last time out.

The manager explained that it is something that he wants his fullbacks to do anyway, but he stated that with further understanding, the players in those fullback positions will help take control when the team loses the ball in defensive transition moments.

“Sure, but that is what we want to do more often, to build such constructions,” he responded. “But we have some new players who we have to integrate into the team.

“That needs time to recognise the timings, to get in the right position. They are capable of doing that.

“When we work better, we will have a better in-possession game but also take more control in the moments where we lose the ball.”

United need to improve in defensive transitions

It will certainly help if the fullbacks are able to time their movements to help in such moments when teams are trying to break through United’s midfield.

However, as the manager suggested, these must be done well because wingers will always be looking to take advantage of the flanks.

Hopefully, Manuel Ugarte’s introduction in the middle will be helpful as well to solidify the team defensively, but it is something that must continue to improve if the team want to be successful this term.

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