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Manchester United: How can Erik ten Hag’s side overcome poor away record against big sides?

As things stand, Manchester United have not won a single game against the current top nine teams in the Premier League.

By Karthik Raman | May 6, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Manchester United supporters can take several positives from Erik ten Hag’s first season with the club. The Red Devils have ended their lengthy trophy drought by beating Newcastle United in the final to win the EFL Cup. They went deep in the Europa League and are in the final of FA Cup too. Besides, United are also sitting in the Champions League places currently in the Premier League table. However, if there is one concern then it is with their away form, particularly against the top half sides.

As things stand, Manchester United have not won a single game against the current top nine teams in the Premier League. In fact, they have only drawn one of those matches and lost the remaining seven fixtures. This is an alarming stat for any United fan to read. It is hard to believe how a team that is so good at home, is playing this poorly down the road. There are many factors that can be associated with this disappointing away run. Let us look at the three things which ten Hag could do differently next season to improve Manchester United’s away form against big sides.

Defence first approach

Erik ten Hag is known to be an attacking manager, who names his team in such a way that they can dominate the play in opposition half and win the games with authority. Even though this approach has worked in the home matches at Old Trafford, it has not helped him nor the club much in the away games. This has been evident with some of the embarrassing results Manchester United have experienced like away to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brentford. The level of difficulty in the Premier League is quite high, therefore, home advantage plays a big role for many clubs. Hence, it is no shame to take a defensive approach when traveling to certain stadiums across the country.

Erik ten Hag needs to add more physical players

The situation is such that Manchester United are at times too easy to play against, and they are a bit too soft in duels. Several teams have exposed United’s lack of physicality, especially in set-pieces. Barring few players, the Red Devils do not have many players capable of dominating aerial duels, which is a big concern. Therefore, Man United have been struggling massively against teams like Newcastle United, Brentford and Brighton among others who rely a lot on the physical side of the game. In all three of these grounds, the Red Devils came second best. Ten Hag must add more physical players who can hold their ground in those tense moments.

Manchester United need right characters in the squad

It has been alarming to see how the Red Devils have folded after few setbacks in a match. The games against Brentford, Manchester City and Liverpool were prime example. After conceding couple of goals, United crumbled down in no time like a pack of cards. Besides, Manchester United have thrown away leads or conceded late goals to lose points in the dying minutes of the match a bit too often in recent weeks. This is not what Man United were known for under former legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Back then, it was United who used to get those late winners and could bounce back from any setback. Hence, it is important for ten Hag to not only buy the right players but also the right characters in the upcoming transfer window.