Manchester United may have had a decent run of results over the last few weeks, but there remained a sense that the team were still a long way off from finding the type of consistency that has been lacking in their play this season.
While they may have picked up a number of wins, they were still often lacking in games and could have been considered rather fortunate to come out on top on a couple of occasions. There certainly was no indication that they had completely steadied the ship after a difficult campaign up to that point, something that came to the fore once again over the weekend.
Erik ten Hag's side were incredibly poor during the 2-1 loss at home to Fulham, being outplayed for large periods of the game at Old Trafford. Despite scoring a late equaliser through Harry Maguire, they still managed to conspire to lose the match by conceding from a counterattack deep into injury time.
The way they have been easily cut open by the opposition has certainly been a theme for much of this season, something that was addressed on Monday Night Football last night.
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Jamie Carragher sums up Manchester United issues under Erik ten Hag
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher and Gael Clichy gave an excellent breakdown of Manchester United's tactical issues this season.
They mentioned how the team attempt to hold a low defensive block with their back four, but ask their midfield and forward players to push high up the pitch. This leaves a massive gap in the middle of the pitch that is often easily exploited by opposition teams.
Carragher would go on to discuss how an apparent lack of coaching direction has also been an issue under Erik ten Hag.
"Manchester United defend like a team I've never seen before" 🤬
A scathing review of Manchester United's defending from @carra23 and Gael Clichy 👇 pic.twitter.com/XPqKyDgJ6e— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 26, 2024
It's been the problem for Manchester United all season: the space between the back four and midfield.
The reason why they're poor defensively and open to the counterattack is they have no pace at the back and a lack of legs in midfield.
Another big problem is what they've got the ball. People always say 'there is no patterns of play with Manchester United', which doesn't really happen. I'll tell you one of the reasons there is no patterns of play and another reason they get done on the counterattack...
Mainoo, your central midfielder is on the last line, that can't be right. Bruno Fernandes is on the last line playing a striker, he's your no. 10. These players can't receive the ball with the positions they take up.
There is a massive problem for Man United when they've got the ball. It's a turnover and they're getting counterattacked again.
How many times do you see Man United players having to run 40 yards back towards your own goal?..
They're sprinting 30, 40, 50 yards five or six times a game, hence why they're getting so many injuries in a game.
It is difficult to argue with that analysis.
Jamie Carragher is not the most popular figure among Manchester United fans, but they found themselves agreeing with him on this occasion.
Word for word what I've been saying all season.
Great MNF segment by Jamie as per usual. https://t.co/0zThvSVyLE pic.twitter.com/Dew888MyjB— The Devil's DNA (@TheDevilsDNA) February 27, 2024
I need to see Jamie manage a football club atleast once in my lifetime, he’s speaking the truth here tho
— 𝓑𝓪𝓭𝓮 ♨️ (@bade_UTD) February 26, 2024
Not often I agree with Jamie Carragher but his analysis of #ManchesterUnited is 100 % correct , it shows what inept coaching these players are getting big questions have to asked of Ten Hag https://t.co/wXknGE1GYg
— raymond brennan (@raymond_brennan) February 26, 2024
Jamie Carragher’s analysis of Man United on MNF there was so perfect. But if he can see it, I can see it, and most United fans I know can see it - why can’t ETH? Scary…
— Rudi Kinsella (@RudiKinsella) February 26, 2024
While Manchester United have had their fair share of injuries this season, the lack of tactical development in the side over 18 months into Erik ten Hag's tenure has to be a massive concern.
With a new ownership structure now in place, you get the sense that this trend may not be allowed to continue for much longer.
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