Manchester United are an inch closer to a perfect midfield
Manager Erik ten Hag has overseen a drastic change in the Man United midfield over the past year.
What difference does a year make
Exactly 12 months ago today, Manchester United announced their second signing of the summer transfer window, confirming the arrival of Christian Eriksen. The Dane has joined M16 on a free transfer after turning down an offer of a new contract at Brentford. The Dane, who had joined the Bees on a short-term basis just a few months earlier, arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation for being one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League on both occasions, for most of the season. decade. He regularly pulled the strings in the number 10 position at Tottenham Hotspur, scoring goals and registering assists at a steady pace.
That said, almost everyone expected him to provide competition and support for Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 position. But after Erik ten Hag used him as a false nine and then defensive midfield in the first two games, Eriksen found a home in the number 8 position .
He excelled as a deep playmaker, orchestrating procedures and possession between the two boxes. Shortly before filling that position for the first time, starring in the 2-1 win over Liverpool last August, United unveiled their second midfield signing of the summer, parading Casemiro to Old Trafford following his £100m signing. pounds. Madrid.
Although the Brazilian was never United’s number 1 target in midfield last summer, as the club chased the signing of Frenkie de Jong for over 100 days, he was the perfect alternative. He brought a world-class presence and winning mentality to Old Trafford that has been missing for years.
Once he adjusted to life in England and worked his way up the squad, it wasn’t long before he showed, alongside Eriksen and Fernandes in the engine room, why he was what United had been missing for so long. The Reds had been desperate to add a world-class defensive midfielder to their ranks for years and Casemiro soon provided them with the defensive courage and destructive skills they lacked in the centre. After Scott McTominay and Fred, better known as ‘McFred’, struggled to give United the quality and control a club of this size should have to offer in midfield, Casemiro, Eriksen and Fernandes quickly changed their tack.
United finally had a world-class midfield and quickly emerged as one of the best in the Premier League last season.
However, towards the end of the season it became clear, especially in the case of Casemiro and Eriksen, that the grueling nature of United’s match schedule was taking its toll. Standards started to drop and fatigue was an obvious problem. Ten Hag often refused to rotate his pack, even in cup races, perhaps due to a lack of sufficient quality in reserve.
United have already made their first move to address that issue this summer, bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea. He made his first appearance in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Leeds United in Oslo and offered an immediate insight into why Ten Hag had his heart set on signing him, both with and without the ball.
He oozed class in possession, popping up between both boxes, and led the midfield press. He will provide the energy that Eriksen was struggling to deliver towards the end of last term.
Mount, though eyebrows have been raised by his £60million price tag, ticks a plethora of boxes for Ten Hag. The Dutchman is particular about the type of players he uses, particularly in midfield. Like Eriksen was 12 months ago, Mount is more commonly associated with operating as a No.10, whereas he is actually more accustomed to playing slightly deeper, offering a broad range of qualities.
Through the signings of Eriksen, Casemiro and Mount, plus the emergence of youngster Kobbie Mainoo, United’s midfield is now dripping in quality and potential. That area of the team, that was lambasted week after week in the months building up to Ten Hag’s arrival, has been resurrected, with Eriksen’s arrival a year ago today marking the beginning of United’s midfield evolution.
It now features a world-class defensive presence, ball-playing expertise, creative guile, energy, ambition and potential. It has, of course, cost United a few quid to piece it together, but they have at least got it right this time, whereas in the past they failed miserably, signing the likes of Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek, who failed to deliver.
Ten Hag has succeeded where others have failed, bringing in players tailor-made for his system, regardless of how fashionable a signing they might be at first glance. Just over 12 months ago, United’s midfield was in disarray, starved of world-class quality and plaudits; Ten Hag will now find it challenging to name his strongest trio.
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Man United fans are loving Alejandro Garnacho’s lively challenge during Argentina vs Indonesia
Alejandro Garnacho has been praised by Manchester United fans after he showed his fiery side during Argentina’s friendly match against Indonesia.
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On Monday afternoon, the 18-year-old was subbed on in the 60th minute by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
At that stage, the world champions were already leading by 2-0 thanks to goals from Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero.
During his 30-minute cameo, Garnacho received praise from United fans after showing his feisty side towards the end of the match.
As the match ticked towards the 90th minute, the winger was tackled by an Indonesian defender but he got up straight away and got his own back on his opponent.
Although his challenge was slightly late, it received a lot of attention from the Old Trafford faithful on social media.
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One said: “A moment that will last for a lifetime, Asnawi vs Garnacho.”
Since breaking through to United’s first team in 2022, Garnacho is one of the most highly-rated players in the Premier League.
Thanks to his impressive performances with United, Garnacho has now made his debut for Argentina.
Speaking about the youngster, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez described Garnacho as a little treasure.
He told TyC Sports: “He is a very humble guy. He came to work; he didn’t talk a lot. He is very eager to play.
“The truth is that he’s a little treasure and I hope we can mould him so that he gives us as much as Angel Di Maria.”
Garnacho was also rewarded with a new long-term contract by United during the 22/23 season
After signing his new deal, he said: “I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way.
Video from PAULLO FUT
“The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful. I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.”
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Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed Mason Mount from Chelsea
Manchester United fans have taken to social media to express their displeasure at Mason Mount being handed the iconic number 7 shirt ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.
After being pictured twice at Carrington earlier this week, it’s no surprise Mount was officially announced as a Reds player on Wednesday. After signing a five-year deal, the 24-year-old said: “Leaving the club you grew up with is never easy, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.”
“After playing them I know how strong the team I’m about to join is and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s quest to win big trophies.” Everyone sees that the club has made great strides under Erik ten Hag. Now that I have met the manager and discussed his plans, I can no longer look forward to the next few seasons and I am ready for the hard work ahead of us here.”
However, the surprise was that Mount was given the number 7 shirt worn by club legends including David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Garnacho was supposed to get the number in a vote of confidence from Ten Hag.
Instead, Mount has taken over both the number and the print that accompany the shirt. This surprising news was not well received by United fans, who were eager for the youngster to be upgraded. On Twitter, the fan base made their feelings clear.
double D; said
Shame on @ManUtd what an absolute joke, #Garnacho would get the 7!!!! #laugh
@BilboRocky; said
I just heard we have number 7 for Mount. It is what it is. Personally, I think that jersey should be earned. If someone was better suited to wear it in time, I would have expected it to go to Garnacho. That would have been great motivation to keep him hungry and motivated.
Durden; said
It was meant for