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Erik Ten Hag Will Massively Improve This Manchester United Star

Erik Ten Hag Will Massively Improve This Manchester United Star

Erik ten Hag's appointment at Manchester United will mean good news for many players, especially Jadon Sancho.

Erik ten Hag's introduction as Manchester United manager has been extremely well received amongst the fan base. His work at Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles in four seasons, has boosted his CV around Europe and United supporters believe that they've got one of the best in the business.

He's got a big job on his hands at Old Trafford, after United finished sixth last season with their lowest ever points total in Premier League history.

Despite knowing that there needs to be additions into the squad, with five players already confirmed leaving the club this summer, Ten Hag has stressed that the problems are not quite as big as they seem at the Theatre Of Dreams, suggesting that he can improve the current personnel at United.

Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire after the final game of a disappointing 2021/22 campaign for Manchester United |
Alamy

"That we have to accept the current situation but also that they have a good potential," The Dutch manager explained in his first interview with club media when asked what his message to the squad will be after a difficult campaign last year.

"A year before this team was second in the league, so the potential is there. Learn the lessons from this season, we have to analyse clearly what went wrong. But from then on work hard, get a team and fight the opponents.”

There will undoubtably be signings this summer, United are already linked to the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Jurrien Timber and Christian Eriksen and the window does not open for another three days.

However, there's also talent at the club that had completely shot confidence last season, and Ten Hag can be the one to revive their United careers.

Erik ten Hag can be the answer to Jadon Sancho's troubled debut season

The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund entered United expecting to be a major part of a title challenge. The reality is that it was hard for Jadon Sancho to adapt to life in the Premier League in a dysfunctional United side.

While he still was able to show his quality through the season, it wasn't to the affect that fans would've hoped for.

However, the blame could not be put at Sancho's door. He had an interrupted start to life at United, with an injury at the start of the season meaning he couldn't settle in quickly.

The team and tactics that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer operated with until his mid-season departure also made it seem like the Norwegian didn't know how to get the best out of the wingers profile, that proved so effective in Germany.

Sancho is best when he is able to find runners. In behind the defence, in spaces between the lines, or elsewhere. He is elite at timing the weight of these passes as incoming Manchester City striker Erling Haaland would know from his time in the Bundesliga with the English star.

Jadon Sancho with Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund |
Alamy

It seemed that the 21-year-old was expected to be a flying winger, who can take on multiple men and get a cross into the box. While he has shown trickery on occasion since his debut in August, he is a possession based footballer, who is also incredibly dangerous on the break.

The problem at United is there is a lack of runners. Bruno Fernandes can be useful one, but often looks to try and make his impact on the ball instead. Cristiano Ronaldo usually drifts from his central position on the last defender and wants the ball to his feet as well and Marcus Rashford is another who could be a useful runner for United but aims to change the game with the ball at his feet.

Fred, the 'defensive midfielder' for The Reds is one of the only players that is usually on Sancho's wavelength when he's in offensive areas.

The Brazilian looks to make under or overlapping runs to either make an option for the wide man, or open up space elsewhere. This was most notable for the 29-year-old's goal against Leeds at Elland Road. He fired in a shot towards the near post after Sancho found his overlapping run with a cute pass to his left.

These type of situations are where Sancho thrives. He's a pass and move footballer with some added flair and excitement. Erik ten Hag will bring a footballing philosophy from his time at Ajax which will suit Sancho's playstyle to a T.

He is one of the only create-first wingers that the club have, and that will be a major plus for Ten Hag, who will look to dominate games and create plenty of chances. He won't leave the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes and will trust in Sancho.

With consistent game-time in an improved system which caters to his style, Sancho will be able to put last season behind him in the new era at Manchester United.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Jadon Sancho, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League

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