At the start of Erik ten Hag’s third season, debate continues to rage about the balance of Manchester United’s midfield.

Napoli

There was some initial promise about a new-look four man set-up of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mou nt Until, of course, the latter suffered yet another injury blow following an excellent first 45 minutes away at Brighton and Hove Albion. What Went Wrong For Belgium’s Golden Generation?

Until, of course, the latter suffered yet another injury blow following an excellent first 45 minutes away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

 

Forced into a midfield three – and denied the services of their most effective presser – Manchester United were catapulted back to that disastrous 2023/24 campaign as Liverpool ran riot at Old Trafford before the September international break.

 

With the United bosses reportedly harbouring ‘serious concerns’ over Ten Hag’s tactical approach, per The Guardian, whether or not the Dutchman can find a solution to the Red Devils’ long-running midfield issues could be deciding factor as to whether he survives the Ineos axe.

 

SSC Napoli unveil new signing Scott McTominay on August 30, 2024 in Naples, Italy.

 

Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images

 

Manchester United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli

The £25 million sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli – a decision driven by Profit and Sustainability concerns – also removes Ten Hag’s primary midfield goal threat outside of captain Bruno Fernandes.

 

The Scotland international provided a reminder of his box-crashing talents with two goals in two matches to start the UEFA Nations League campaign.

Napoli

Joined at Napoli by Tartan Army team-mate Billy Gilmour, there is a feeling that Antonio Conte is now a giant step closer to solving his own midfield puzzle while Ten Hag is still scrambling around for the missing corner pieces in his incomplete jigsaw.

 

Forced into a midfield three – and denied the services of their most effective presser – Manchester United were catapulted back to that disastrous 2023/24 campaign as Liverpool ran riot at Old Trafford before the September international break.

Napoli

With the United bosses reportedly harbouring ‘serious concerns’ over Ten Hag’s tactical approach, per The Guardian, whether or not the Dutchman can find a solution to the Red Devils’ long-running midfield issues could be deciding factor as to whether he survives the Ineos  axe.