Erik ten Hag’s strongest Manchester United team has become clear

Erik ten Hag has found out his strongest Manchester United team as The Reds head towards the second half of the Premier League season.

Interestingly, Ten Hag has often opted to change things around in his team. He has used both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw at left-back, the front three has changed throughout the campaign and Scott McTominay kept his place in the eleven for a number of games before Casemiro came in.

The manager has rewarded positive form at every opportunity since coming to Old Trafford. Shaw even played a second game in a row at centre-back due to his great performance in his first outing in the position.

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However, as the season quickly moves on, the manager has figured out the best possible team at his disposal.

David de Gea has regained form under the Dutchman after his place in the team looked in jeopardy. His calm pass out of the back which eventually led to Luke Shaw’s brilliant goal against Bournemouth would’ve been a long ball into the flank six months ago. He’s adapting, and whilst he still isn’t top quality in that department, it’s good to see the small changes.

Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has looked impressive in recent games but the return of Diogo Dalot will be a welcomed one from Ten Hag. He started the Portuguese in every game before the World Cup and offers important progression to The Reds. Shaw is the clear choice on the other flank with Malacia being a solid deputy.

The centre-backs pick themselves in this team even though the manager has needed to rotate the personnel in recent weeks. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have become the most important partnership for United this season.

In midfield, United have unearthed an unknown gem. The five-time Champions League winner has been crucial since coming into the side (who would’ve thought?) and Graeme Souness’ words from the beginning of the season look funnier after every fixture played.

Alongside Casemiro is the creativity of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes. The former has the second-most assists in the league this season, whilst the latter is creating countless chances and also adapting from his erratic game as the focal point of a team. The midfield is now solid, and whilst it might lack the ball carrying that a Frenkie de Jong would’ve offered, there are many positives in the engine room for United these days.

At the front, there is a clear three that work best for Ten Hag’s football. Goalscoring is the main issue amongst the forwards but Marcus Rashford has started to offer them under the Dutchman. The Englishman is one of the first names on the team — if he wakes up on time — scoring 12 goals so far this season.

Antony is the best option operating on the opposite wing. He’s struggled since returning from the World Cup but still offers United the balance that no other player can. His close control, link-up and progressive passing have all left much to be desired in recent performances but were shown to be crucial for Ten Hag before the break and at Ajax. Anthony Martial has the role in the centre and the manager has mentioned his importance several times since Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit. The link-up that he offers suits United’s attacking play but he needs to hit a goalscoring run if United want to continue their impressive form going forward.

This front three could be the most adaptable point of Ten Hag’s side. Alejandro Garnacho looks dangerous every time he enters the pitch and could earn a more regular starting spot, whilst Jadon Sancho is working hard to prepare himself for his United return.

Full XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen, B. Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Rashford