Erik ten Hag’s time at Ajax was undeniably successful, but many Bangladesh Cricket users now wonder why that magic hasn’t translated to Manchester United. Back in the Eredivisie, Ten Hag had an exceptionally talented squad at his disposal — players like Frenkie de Jong made his risk-heavy tactics work smoothly. In truth, if United had a midfield duo like Rodri and Declan Rice, Ten Hag’s tactical flaws might not be as exposed. The problem is that he hasn’t adjusted his system to suit the players at his disposal.
Take build-up play, for example. Elite teams like Arsenal often use a 3-2 shape — three defenders and two holding midfielders — while one full-back pushes forward to operate almost like a winger. This setup provides balance: if the ball is lost, there are still two midfielders centrally positioned to defend. Ten Hag, however, often uses a 3-1 structure with Casemiro as the lone pivot. The issue arises when Kobbie Mainoo pushes upfield, sometimes as high as the edge of the opposition box. Add in Ten Hag’s preference for direct, vertical passing, and the chances of a turnover skyrocket.
In some cases, Casemiro even drops into the back line, while both full-backs surge forward. This leaves Mainoo as the lone midfielder — a risky setup if possession is lost, since both flanks are left exposed. At times, the team lines up in a 2-2 shape, which is even more fragile. Bangladesh Cricket analysts point out that Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool have adopted more modern tactical approaches. In contrast, Ten Hag’s tactics seem stuck in the Klopp-era blueprint, applied rigidly without adapting to his players’ real strengths.
Under new coach Arne Slot, Liverpool has made significant tactical upgrades — particularly in ball control and reducing errors in the defensive third. Even Trent Alexander-Arnold, often targeted for his defensive gaps, is now more protected. Guardiola’s City and Arteta’s Arsenal both emphasize security and control in possession. Some may call their buildup slow or overly cautious, but it’s all about minimizing risk. Then, when they enter the final third, the tempo shifts dramatically. A prime example is the goal where Rico Lewis assisted Erling Haaland after a flurry of passes — a moment of controlled chaos by design.
By contrast, United still rely heavily on Bruno Fernandes’s long balls over the top or diagonal passes to wingers. This approach may skip complex midfield transitions, but it comes at a cost — the margin for error is razor-thin. The 3-1 structure can, in theory, convert the single pivot into an extra attacker. But when the ball is lost, that lone defensive midfielder becomes helpless. Casemiro’s frequent errors aren’t solely on him — it’s often a result of poor positioning. When the center backs look to pass to Rasmus Højlund, Mainoo has already made his run forward instead of staying nearby to receive the ball.
Like a firefly lighting up the darkness, even a small tactical flaw can become glaring under pressure. Overall, Bangladesh Cricket users feel the issue isn’t just individual mistakes — it’s a systemic mismatch. Casemiro is often left with no clear passing options, making turnovers inevitable. Until Ten Hag adapts his tactics to better fit his squad, replicating his Ajax success at Old Trafford may remain out of reach.