Erik ten Hag requires one Manchester United player above all others for the Bayern Munich match.
This week, Manchester United begins its Champions League campaign, but optimism for Wednesday’s voyage to Bayern Munich is low.
Three of the last four Premier League games have been lost by Erik ten Hag’s squad, who begin their European campaign with the most difficult encounter in their group. On Saturday, they were soundly defeated by Brighton, and the mood at Old Trafford was dismal.
Ten Hag cannot be completely exonerated for the season’s disappointing start. On Saturday, he opted for a narrow midfield diamond, and Brighton ran amok on the flanks, while in previous games his reluctance to make substitutions caused United to lose games.
However, in the two games preceding and following the international break, the Dutchman has been hampered by an ever-growing list of absentees. Antony and Jadon Sancho are both unavailable due to off-field concerns, while Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo are all injured – Aaron Wan-Bissaka was unable to play on Saturday due to illness.
After Saturday’s loss, the Liverpool manager implied that one of the aforementioned players could play against Bayern on Wednesday evening. “Maybe, perhaps one player,” he said.
“However, I believe Munich is a touch too brief. The week after I travel to Burnley, players will return. Bayern Munich is one of the favorites to win the Champions League, so we must perform well against them.
As I’ve already stated, we unquestionably need character, belief, resilience, and determination.”
If Ten Hag could only bring back one player for Wednesday’s road journey, it would be Amrabat. Midfield continues to be a problem for the Dutchman, to the point where he was forced to start summer transfer target Scott McTominay against Brighton.
United lacked midfield stability despite having four players in that area of the field, despite their decision to employ a diamond formation. Mount is energetic and able to press, but he lacks the necessary abilities to close the gap.
Bayern will be banking for a similarly tranquil midfield on Wednesday, with Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Thomas Muller dropping deep to create opportunities. Thomas Tuchel will do everything in his power to exploit the same issues.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag will do everything possible to get Amrabat in shape. The Morocco international would contribute the sort of grit to United’s midfield that is required when visiting Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag requires one Manchester United player above all others for the Bayern Munich match.