Erik ten Hag is fighting for his Man Utd future after a poor start to the season (Image: Getty)
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has endured a nightmare start to the season, losing two of his first three Premier League matches despite a £200million summer spend. INEOS are understood to be willing to show patience in the Dutchman, but there is a sense that an improvement needs to be immediate.
United face Southampton on Saturday and another defeat would pile the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a six-game run which includes league matches against Tottenham and Aston Villa, and the start of what the Red Devils hierarchy will expect to be a successful Europa League campaign.
The international break perhaps came at a good time for Ten Hag. After that chastening 3-0 defeat by Liverpool last Sunday, an opportunity to reset and devise a plan away from the pressure of matches.
Express Sport looks at how Ten Hag can improve United’s form.
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Drop Rashford
On paper, Marcus Rashford is one of United’s best players. But there comes a point when a player consistently underperforming in your system is terminal to their chances of regular starts. Especially when there are players, such as Alejandro Garnacho, waiting to step in.
Rashford looks bereft of confidence and it has been over a year since he last scored on a frequent basis. Garnacho has enjoyed a positive start to the season and always looks better on the left, while Amad Diallo has impressed on the right.
A spell on the bench may benefit Rashford, rekindling his hunger to get back to his best form.
Marcus Rashford has struggled for form at Manchester United (Image: Getty)
‘World-class’ star signs
Adrien Rabiot was first linked with Man Utd in the summer of 2022. At the time, he was not entirely convinced of the move and remained at Juventus. Former Juve hero David Trezeguet believed that the midfielder was ‘world-class’ and thought the Italian side would have a ‘problem’ if he was sold.
“We are talking about a problem for Juventus, because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different,” Trezeguet said at the time.
“He is world-class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was.”
Two years on, Rabiot remains a free agent after leaving Juve at the end of last season. United have looked short of quality and depth in midfield, although Manuel Ugarte will be integrated after the international break. Another option in Rabiot, 29, could be beneficial.
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Adrien Rabiot would add experience and quality to Man Utd's midfield options (Image: Getty)
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Two players return
Disaster struck in pre-season when £52m signing Leny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund both suffered injuries in a friendly against Arsenal. Luke Shaw subsequently experienced a calf problem on the eve of the Premier League season.
While Yoro is expected to remain out until November with a fractured metatarsal, Hojlund and Shaw could be back for United’s visit to Southampton. Ten Hag has rarely been able to pick his best team, and having Hojlund and Shaw available will be pivotal in winning the match.
