Man United Legend Backs Erik Ten Hag to Succeed Despite Recent Struggles | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Defensive Dilemmas: Insights from Gary Pallister

Navigating Through Troubled Waters

Ex-Manchester United defender Gary Pallister, speaking with sports betting site BetVictor, has highlighted the core issues at the heart of Manchester United’s current struggles. The club’s defensive woes are largely to blame for their recent dip in form, which has seen them lose numerous games and put undue pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. As Pallister rightly points out, “This year has been really tough and losing the number of games Manchester United have is always going to put pressure on the manager.”

Challenge of Consistency and Leadership

One of the main challenges identified is the lack of a stable defensive lineup. According to Pallister, “They’ve only managed to play the same back four in back-to-back games a couple of times this season.” This instability has undoubtedly contributed to the team’s poor performances, a situation exacerbated by having players like Casemiro, a world-class midfielder, filling in as makeshift centre-backs. Such stopgap solutions have led to disastrous outcomes, notably the 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Photo: IMAGO

Casemiro’s Role: A Double-Edged Sword

The decision to use Casemiro in defence has drawn significant criticism, notably from Jamie Carragher, who, following the defeat to Palace, suggested that Casemiro should ‘pack it in’. However, Pallister defends the Brazilian, stating, “He’s playing out of position, so I wouldn’t be going for the jugular on him like Jamie Carragher did.” This perspective highlights the unfair expectations placed on players thrust into unfamiliar roles due to squad management issues.

Future Prospects and Managerial Decisions

Despite the current turmoil, there are glimpses of hope. Erik ten Hag’s strategy of integrating young talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho has been successful, signaling a potential shift towards a more sustainable model of player development. The conversation between Ten Hag and the club’s ownership, INEOS, is crucial to navigating the club forward. As Pallister notes, “A conversation needs to be had between Ten Hag and INEOS to plot a path going forward.”

A Ray of Hope in Harry Maguire

In contrast to the bleak picture often painted of Manchester United’s defensive line, Harry Maguire’s resurgence offers a silver lining. His improved performances have not only solidified his position at the club but have also made him a “shoo-in” for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Euros. Pallister praises Maguire’s resilience, “He went through a tough moment but he’s been a terrific centre-back and now he’s reaping the benefits of riding out that tough time.”

Gary Pallister’s insights provide a nuanced view of the ongoing challenges at Manchester United. While defensive instability and mispositioned players have led to significant setbacks, there is a strategic vision that could potentially turn the tide for the club. With the right support from the board and a clear focus on nurturing young talent, Erik ten Hag might yet steer the club back to its former glory.