Finally, Erik ten Hag has his preferred midfield functioning like clockwork. In the middle of the pitch, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro perfectly complement each other, while Bruno Fernandes is viewed by his new boss as an undroppable..
It was not the very first time Eriksen had produced a ninety one per cent pass success rate against FC Sheriff, and it is not the first time he’s achieved that. Even though Casemiro’s goal against Chelsea is going to be etched in many fans ‘minds, it is his defensive skills that are the most important.
Meanwhile, Fernandes is among the most innovative players in the Premier League this season, competing with Kevin De Bruyne for the most actions that lead to goals, despite his recent unpopularity amongst some supporters..
It appears obvious that Ten Hag has nailed down his midfield. That is bad news for Fred & Scott McTominay.
A lot of fans called on Ten Hag to dismantle the McFred “partnership that was severely criticized last season. This wish wasn’t at first met, with McTominay deciding to keep Casemiro out of the lineup for the first couple of weeks after his arrival.
As soon as the Brazilian has gotten his legs, McTominay ends up on the bench, pairing Fred once once again, but this time from the sidelines. And also the photo may not be any brighter after Christmas.
With the Europa League group stages almost finished and the early League Cup rounds finished by December, United won’t be as prepared to rotate first choice players as frequently, leaving little opportunity for undesirable players.
What this means is that Mctominay and Fred will have to be content with cameos more often than not and wait for suspensions and injuries to occur. All the same, the midfielders have experienced significant moments for Ten Hag thus far.
McTominay scored the winner in the disheartening 1 – 0 win over Omonia at Old Trafford, while Fred discovered the opener in the 2 0 win over Tottenham. Under the brand new manager, who’s stressed that he will have to make use of his full squad this season, both have improved visibly under him.
Both Fred and McTominay aren’t in his first choice XI, which means they have been given the task of proving they can up their game. This healthy contest is exactly what United fans have craved for during the past couple of years which can only help Ten Hag in his rebuilding mission.
However, a lot of supporters are going to be happy to see the duo mainly on the sidelines rather than on the team sheet in this. Both may want to remain at United for a long time, but they might have to get accustomed to playing second fiddle to Ten Hag’s brand new summer purchases.
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