Erik ten Hag has been strained by injury problems at Manchester United this season but could finally be able to test a new tactic with players coming back.United were able to win 2-1 against Brentford on the weekend after an incredible Scott McTominay injury-time brace secured victory.It was an important moment for Ten Hag, who had to start Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof together in the defence after Raphael Varane missed the game with a small problem.
Now, United are able to regroup during the international break and Ten Hag will be assessing his options ahead of the return against Sheffield United in two weeks.The manager will be looking at the options he can have with two players being expected to return to action following the break.Kobbie Mainoo has been back in squad training for a week now and just missed out on being available for the Brentford clash and will be ready to contribute once the team returns from international duty.Meanwhile, Sergio Reguilon was another player close to returning against Brentford but it was decided that the game came too early for the Spaniard.
With both players able to return to the squad, Ten Hag could be looking to continue Sofyan Amrabat as the holding midfielder.The Moroccan loanee has played just one game in the midfield, starting three times at left-back. He was impressive in the second half against Brentford when he was anchoring the midfield after Casemiro was replaced by Christian Eriksen.Reguilon, who also impressed during his first few games, will allow Amrabat to develop further into that role. Whilst Mainoo’s return gives Ten Hag a very interesting option amidst Casemiro’s poor form.
The young midfielder, who was excellent during pre-season, could slot into the engine room alongside Amrabat as one option. This would perhaps be the best way to help United progress play from deeper.However, Mainoo’s return also brings upon an experience conversation that could lead to potential issues. The teenager has still not started a Premier League game and the pressure right now at Old Trafford is huge.Ten Hag will certainly have to be careful about how he utilises the 18-year-old but the option now being there is a big positive.
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