What Erik ten Hag must do to save Manchester United’s season from collapse

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Erik Ten Hag’s side need to bounce back after the Europa League exit, and Bruno Fernandes back in an attacking role for the rest of the season, Ten Hag must put faith in Jadon Sancho and use Luke Shaw as a centre-back.

Not so long ago, Manchester United fans were dreaming of a cup treble and a top four finish, in what could have been Erik ten Hag’s first hugely successful season.

However, after United collapsed in Europe at the hands of Sevilla, their FA Cup hopes are pinned on trying to defeat one of the country’s well-rounded teams.

The 3-0 defeat by a side ranked 13th in LaLiga is the latest humiliation in a season that saw them lose 4-0 at Brentford and lose 7-0 at Anfield.

With a squad looking jaded and an injury dilemma up front, Ten Hag will have to make some big decisions to ensure United’s season doesn’t end with a whimper.

Mail Sport takes a look at what the Dutchman can do to keep the Red Devils’ season alive ahead of their date with Brighton at Wembley.

Eric ten Hag has some problems that need to be fixed to ensure that Manchester United’s season does not end in a high. Manchester United were knocked out of the Europa League by Sevilla on Thursday, losing 3-0.

Bounce again

One of United’s best attributes this season has been their ability to bounce back after a major setback.

A brave August display at Brentford, charging four players without reply, was followed by a vital win over old rivals Liverpool – a victory that truly sparked Erik ten Hag’s reign.

Likewise, United’s 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool in March was quickly followed by a much-needed response in the Europa League clash with Real Betis, which saw a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Ten Hag will need his troops to repeat the same trick after again suffering a disappointing defeat and seeing their hopes of Europa League victory come to an abrupt end at the hands of Sevilla.

It’s clearly a mentality the Dutchman has managed to instill in his team after similar setbacks this season.

However, United will face their biggest test yet when they try to pick themselves up again and take on a Brighton side who are flying under Roberto De Zerbi.

Let’s talk about Bruno

Bruno Fernandes missed the Sevilla game due to suspension, but his importance for the remainder of the season cannot be underestimated.

With Christian Eriksen back in the starting line-up alongside Casemiro, it would allow the Portuguese to return to his role at the top of the midfield trio in a more attacking role.

In the 17 games these three have started together this season, United have won 15 and drawn two – a win rate of 88 per cent.

This meant the trio were unbeaten as a group in Ten Hag’s midfield, making them regular regulars for the remainder of the season.

The return of Bruno Fernandes to the helm of the trio in United’s midfield could be key for Ten Hag’s side The Portuguese has been as impressive as ever this season in an unbeatable midfield three Ota reveals United are unbeaten in 17 games when the midfielders have started The three.

Fernandes’ return to his attacking role will also allow him to contribute more to United’s goal comeback. Too often, he has sacrificed that aspect of his game this season to drop deeper into United’s midfield and that has meant he has failed to score in 15 of his last 17 games for the club.

However, with the 28-year-old once again complemented by fitness, Eriksen and Casemiro, there is a chance for Fernandes to add 10 goals and 13 assists this season – and they will certainly start together at Wembley.

The only concern is the risk of burnout from the Portugal international. Some United stars looked tall against Sevilla, Fernandes has played 49 games so far this season, starting all but one.

distorted the defense

One of United’s biggest problems for the remainder of the season lies in the centre-back, where they exist without a first-choice pair.

Lisandro Martinez exited the Red Devils’ first leg with Sevilla last week and has since been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing his metatarsal bone.

Argentine defensive partner Raphael Varane is also set to be out for “a few weeks”, which saw Ten Hag turn to Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as his replacement duo in defence.

However, Maguire will be suspended for the FA Cup semi-final with Brighton leaving only Lindelof and Phil Jones as the recognized defenders available.

Having not played all season, Jones is unlikely to get the call-up, while the possibility of Casemiro being moved into defense could upset the recently reunited midfield trio of the Brazilian and his two midfield partners Eriksen and Fernandes.

Luke Shaw could be the answer to United’s central defensive crisis by switching to midfield

One option could be moving Luke Shaw in the centre, which the England international has already done this season.

Shaw is just recovering from his injury, but was fit enough to come off the bench against Sevilla and will be in contention for Sunday’s FA Cup tie.

The left-back enjoyed a successful mid-season experience earlier in the season, receiving rave reviews for his performance in United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City and his display in the 2-2 draw with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

The United manager praised Shaw’s leadership qualities and physical strength in the position, and the team failed to lose a match with the former Southampton man in their defence.

Make more tags

It’s no secret that Manchester United will be in the market for a striker in the summer, but before that time Ten Hag will need more from both Anthony Martial and Woot Wighorst before the end of the season.

Martial started in the defeat against Sevilla, but later came off with a suspected injury after another grueling display and replaced Bighurst.

However, between them this season the duo – who have been involved most of the time as focal points of United’s attack – have scored just nine goals between them.

Wout Weghorst hasn’t scored enough goals in United’s attack since moving on loan in January

Their disappointing comeback was further highlighted by the absence of Marcus Rashford, who this season has often been Manchester United’s main source of goals.

The England international has scored 28 goals this season, and his return to fitness will be a bigger threat for the Red Devils, but he needs help from the strikers.

Part of Weghorst’s role is to get others involved and he would no doubt also benefit from the return of Rashford, but Ten Hag needs to work out a way to get more goals from the Dutchman and Martial – if he can keep his form.

Trust in Sancho

Jadon Sancho had another frustrating evening in Spain, failing to impress the game before being substituted for Marcus Rashford at half time.

However, there has been renewed faith in Sancho from Erik ten Hag, with the 23-year-old starting in the last five matches.

It’s a belief from the manager that stemmed from Sancho’s break from the first-team picture last October, and that has given the striker a physical and mental reset.

Sancho was left out of the United squad and allowed to train on his own in the Netherlands under the guidance of coaches recommended by Eric ten Hag.

Since his return, the England international has enjoyed a consistent run in the side and while we haven’t seen the same form we’ve seen from Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, having a manager who believes in him will only boost his confidence.

Jadon Sancho being fully fit both physically and mentally can be a good thing for Manchester United and Ten Hag must stick to his man to get the best out of him for the remainder of the season – starting with Sunday’s Grand Semi Final clash.

Fully fit and confident, Jadon Sancho could have a big say before the season ends

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