Nicolas Tagliafico: Man United Players To Blame For Ten Hag's Difficulties

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Defensive Fragility and the Lack of a Consistent Backline

Manchester United's defensive inconsistencies have been a major source of concern. The backline's lack of organization and communication has led to numerous defensive errors, costing the team valuable points. This defensive fragility is a significant factor hindering Ten Hag's attempts to build a solid foundation for his tactical system.

• Individual Errors: High-profile mistakes from players like Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez have been regularly exposed, highlighting a need for improved individual defensive capabilities and concentration. These errors aren't just isolated incidents; they point to a deeper systemic issue within the team's defensive structure.
• Lack of Communication: A noticeable absence of communication and coordination between defenders has resulted in open spaces being exploited by opposition attackers. This suggests a lack of understanding and cohesion within the back four.
• Comparison to Top Teams: In contrast to top Premier League teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, United's defensive record demonstrates a significant gap in terms of consistency and solidity. These teams boast better organization and fewer individual errors, contributing to their superior defensive records.
• The Tagliafico Factor (Hypothetical): A player like Tagliafico, known for his defensive solidity and experience, could potentially bring much-needed stability and organization to the backline. His leadership qualities and tactical awareness could help address the communication issues plaguing the current Manchester United defence.

Midfield Struggles and Creative Impotence

Manchester United's midfield has struggled to provide the necessary creativity and attacking impetus. The lack of consistent passing accuracy and key passes has severely hampered the team's ability to create high-quality scoring opportunities.

• Statistical Evidence: Statistics reveal a low passing accuracy rate and limited number of key passes created by the midfielders, suggesting a lack of precision and creative influence in the middle of the park. Bruno Fernandes, while capable of moments of brilliance, hasn't consistently provided the creative spark needed to unlock opposition defenses.
• Individual Performances: Players like Fred and Scott McTominay, while hardworking, often lack the finesse and vision to dictate the tempo of the game effectively. Their performances highlight a potential need for a more creative and technically gifted midfielder.
• Improved Midfield Structure: A better-structured midfield, potentially one that frees up more attacking players through strong defensive midfield contributions, could dramatically improve the team's attacking efficiency. This implies a more balanced and well-rounded midfield unit.
• Indirect Tagliafico Influence: While not a direct comparison, a player like Tagliafico's presence could shift the dynamic of the midfield, freeing up other players to focus on their attacking duties. A solid defense alleviates pressure on the midfield, allowing them to take more risks creatively.

Lack of Pressing Intensity and Tactical Discipline

Erik ten Hag's high-pressing system hasn't been effectively implemented by the current Manchester United squad. The lack of consistent pressing intensity and tactical discipline has allowed opponents to dictate the tempo and possession in crucial phases of games.

• Ten Hag's Tactical Vision: Ten Hag's philosophy centers on a high-pressing, possession-based style of play that requires significant intensity and discipline from all players.
• Failures in Implementation: Numerous examples exist of Manchester United players failing to adhere to the manager's tactical instructions, especially in their pressing and defensive tracking.
• Comparison with High-Pressing Teams: A comparison with teams that successfully employ high-pressing systems reveals a stark difference in intensity and discipline. These teams consistently maintain their pressing throughout matches, while Manchester United's pressing intensity often wanes.
• Player Profile Needs: A more disciplined and intense player profile across the team would be crucial in resolving this issue. Players who understand the system and consistently execute it are vital to this philosophy's success. (Subtly referencing Tagliafico’s attributes here.)

The Case for Change: Why a Player Like Nicolas Tagliafico Could Help

Nicolas Tagliafico possesses several attributes that could positively impact Manchester United's current struggles. His defensive solidity, leadership qualities, and tactical awareness could contribute significantly to a more cohesive and effective team.

• Tagliafico's Strengths: Tagliafico is renowned for his defensive strength, his ability to read the game, and his strong leadership skills on the pitch. These qualities could help address many of Manchester United's defensive woes.
• Positive Impact: The addition of a player like Tagliafico could improve the team's overall defensive organization, communication, and intensity.
• Alignment with Ten Hag's Style: His style of play, characterized by its tactical intelligence and disciplined approach, could align well with Ten Hag's tactical preferences. While not directly advocating for his transfer, we can analyze the impact a player with his profile could have on the team.
• Focus on Existing Issues: This section emphasizes the need to address the current issues, suggesting how a player with Tagliafico's attributes could help the team perform better. The focus isn't on the transfer itself, but on the type of player needed to solve existing problems.

Conclusion

While Erik ten Hag's managerial capabilities are crucial, this article highlights how the blame for Manchester United's difficulties cannot solely rest on his shoulders. The players' individual and collective failings significantly contribute to the team's struggles. Addressing these issues – be it through improved performance, better team cohesion, or strategic signings – is crucial for Manchester United's ambitions. A more cohesive and disciplined approach from the current squad, mirroring the attributes potentially offered by a player like Nicolas Tagliafico, is key to unlocking Manchester United's potential and easing Ten Hag's challenges. Are the current Manchester United players truly up to the task?