What Have We Learnt From Manchester United’s First Four Games Under Erik Ten Hag?

SportsMoney What Have We Learnt From Manchester United’s First Four Games Under Erik Ten Hag? Liam Canning Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover the Premier League and other fascinating stories in Europe New! Follow this author to improve your content experience. Got it! Jul 23, 2022, 12:03pm EDT | New! Click on the conversation bubble to join the conversation Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is hugged by Anthony Martial of .

. . [+] Manchester United after a goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Perth, Australia.

(Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images) Getty Images Four games played in Australia for Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United side has seen them go unbeaten. Three comprehensive wins and one draw to Aston Villa earlier today will appease Ten Hag and the fanbase going into two more pre-season fixtures. The Dutch coach knows there is plenty more to learn and conquer, but it has been a positive start to proceedings as Manchester United manager.

Here are three talking points from the opening games: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Anthony Martial of Manchester United during the Pre-Season Friendly . . .

[+] match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images Anthony Martial’s Resurgence Many had written off a return for Anthony Martial at Manchester United since his loan move at Sevilla CF last January ended in disappointment. It looked as if Martial would be moved on this summer with potential suitors around Europe interested in acquiring the Frenchman on loan.

With three goals in four appearances so far during pre-season, it is clear that Martial is enjoying life under Ten Hag. Multiple reports have backed this claim up, with sources indicating that the forward is happier with the training and wanting to become the Dutch coach’s preferred number nine. With the ongoing issues surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, it is increasingly likely that Martial is named in the starting line up on opening day against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United fans have a soft spot for Martial and will be hoping that he can continue moving in the right direction with his early performances and nail down that position for the season ahead. MORE FOR YOU WWE Extreme Rules 2021 Results: Winners, News And Notes As Roman Reigns Beats The Demon The World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2021: Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo Reclaims Top Spot From PSG’s Lionel Messi The Good, Bad And Ugly From The Green Bay Packers’ Win Over The San Francisco 49ers MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 19: Jadon Sancho of Manchester United celebrates a goal during the . .

. [+] Pre-Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 19, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) Getty Images Manchester United’s Front Three There have been question marks over Manchester United’s attacking options heading into this forthcoming season, but as showcased so far, the front three have been working with one another.

The fluidity between Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Martial is fantastic to see, which bodes well going into the new campaign that the front three share an understanding between one another. Whether it is tracking each other’s runs in the final third and creating space for teammates, or pressing in unison to close down the opposition, there has been a clear showing of synergy between them – which is a huge step in the right direction from last season. The Red Devils look in good shape in the final third and will be wanting to back it up when the season gets underway.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 19: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the pre season friendly . . .

[+] between Inter Miami CF and FC Barcelona at DRV PNK Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images Central Midfield Still The Priority The pursuit of FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has been public and there for all to see this summer. Manchester United are in desperate need of midfield options with the departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba this summer.

Towards the end of the Aston Villa game, Alex Telles was deployed as a defensive midfielder due to lack of options and coverage. It was a clear statement from Ten Hag to show the board that he will be running dry throughout the season if reinforcements are not brought in swiftly. It is clear that the Dutch coach wants compatriot de Jong to join him at Old Trafford, but the £17 million deferred wages that the midfielder is owed does not appear to be any closer in order to sanction a transfer.

Barcelona want de Jong to move on and have agreed a deal in principle with Manchester United, but the Netherlands international will not give the green light on the operation until what he is due is paid up and in full. At some point, should de Jong accept the wage cut and remain in Spain this season, Manchester United need to move on and go down their list of options. It might not be Ten Hag’s first choice, but midfield reinforcements are absolutely paramount.

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