The discourse surrounding Manchester United’s defensive strategies came to the forefront during the post-match press conferences following their 2-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford last Saturday.
Everton manager Sean Dyche expressed his surprise at the numerous opportunities his team had during the game, rejecting the notion that their defeat was justified. However, Erik ten Hag countered Dyche’s assertion by labeling Everton’s chances as “low-quality,” essentially agreeing to disagree in managerial terms.
Ten Hag, seeking to alleviate pressure after consecutive losses to Fulham and Manchester City, focused on the positive outcome of the match. Conversely, Dyche, amidst Everton’s 11th consecutive league game without a win, highlighted his team’s efforts, pointing to their 23 shots as evidence of their performance, albeit lacking in goal conversion.
While Everton struggles to find the net, Manchester United often finds themselves on the receiving end of numerous shots. This season alone, they’ve faced 468 shots on goal, a figure surpassed only by Sheffield United. This trend dates back to the beginning of the season, notably when Wolves recorded 23 shots at Old Trafford on the opening day.
In their recent league fixtures, United’s opponents have managed a total of 185 shots, a statistic starkly contrasting with teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, who’ve faced significantly fewer shots all season. Notably, even Newport County, a League Two side, mustered 17 shots against United in their FA Cup encounter in January.
Ten Hag attributes part of United’s defensive struggles to injuries, particularly among their defenders. This season, he’s had to frequently rotate his backline, disrupting defensive routines established during the previous campaign.
With 11 different center-back pairings utilized this season, United’s defensive consistency has been compromised. Notably, injuries to key left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have exacerbated defensive issues, forcing Ten Hag to deploy makeshift replacements.
Despite defensive setbacks, Ten Hag argues that what matters most is preventing goals, highlighting instances where United secured victories despite opponents’ high shot counts. However, maintaining this defensive approach remains a question of sustainability.
As they prepare to face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals, Ten Hag’s defensive tactics will be put to the test against a side known for their attacking prowess. The outcome may hinge on United’s ability to replicate their resolute defending witnessed in previous encounters.
