Talking Tactics: How Ten Hag can fine-tune new engine room

Manchester United are building a new-look midfield under head coach Erik ten Hag. 

Mason Mount has been snapped up from Chelsea and joins Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in a strong quartet, with the likes of Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek waiting in the wings.

As United continue their pre-season campaign, we analyse how their midfield could look going into the Premier League campaign in August.

Mason Mount

The addition of Mount could bring some much-needed dynamism to United 

He impressed in a 45-minute cameo against Leeds in a pre-season friendly — showcasing plenty of energy — but missed an open goal in his second outing against Lyon.

The Englishman endured a disappointing campaign last season for Chelsea, recording just three strikes and two assists in the Premier League. 

But Mount could hit the same heights he managed in 2021-22, where he notched a career-best 21 goal contributions in the league, in a more productive side.

Tracking back

Mount feels his contribution to the team under Ten Hag will not be limited to his attacking production, however. 

He said: "I've always seen myself as a midfielder, a No8 that can obviously get forward, attack, try and score goals, create goals. 

"But also [I am] able to do the other side as well and defend and help the team when we're under pressure."

Eriksen conundrum

Eriksen enjoyed a productive season last term, notching eight Premier League assists. 

However, the Denmark international's contribution out of possession was less impressive, with a total of just 11 interceptions highlighting his lack of involvement off the ball. 

Pairing the 31-year-old with the defensively astute Casemiro in the double pivot helped to cover this — but Mount's arrival gives Ten Hag the ability to field a more secure pairing when necessary. 

As a result, Eriksen could be utilised in an advanced position more often, providing competition for Fernandes or even playing alongside him.

Stam's assessment

United legend Jaap Stam feels his compatriot Ten Hag is keen to continue shaping the side into a more dominant outfit. 

He said: "What [Ten Hag] likes, how he likes to play, and what we've seen with Ajax in the Champions League as well — that is probably how he wants to play, more dominant. 

"I think that's what shows how United is as a club, as a team and how they were in the past. I think that's what he's looking for, and to be even more resilient, at times, as well." 

Pre-season tinkering

After enjoying wins over Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal so far in pre-season, Ten Hag will be hoping to see further signs of progress on their tour of the United States. 

The Red Devils will face Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund before heading home.

Ten Hag will no doubt continue to tinker with his midfield across the tour until he settles on a new-look trio ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.