Nicolas Tagliafico: Man United Players Responsible For Ten Hag's Difficulties

Henrik Larsen

6 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Defensive Fragility and the Need for a Player Like Nicolas Tagliafico

Manchester United's defensive inconsistencies have been a major talking point this season. The team’s vulnerability at the back directly contradicts Ten Hag's desire for a possession-based, controlled style of play. This section analyzes the current situation and explores how a player like Nicolas Tagliafico could provide a much-needed solution.

Inconsistency at Left-Back

Manchester United's left-back position has been a revolving door of inconsistent performances. The lack of a consistently reliable option has left the team exposed.

• Luke Shaw's injury problems: Shaw's recurring injuries have disrupted the team's rhythm and consistency at left-back.
• Tyrell Malacia's inconsistency: While showing promise, Malacia hasn't consistently delivered the defensive solidity needed.
• Defensive errors: A lack of concentration and positional awareness has led to costly individual errors, leading to goals conceded.
• Poor attacking contributions: The lack of a significant attacking threat from the left-back position limits offensive options.

The lack of a consistent presence at left-back has left United vulnerable to counter-attacks, undermining Ten Hag's attempts to build a strong defensive foundation. The situation highlights the urgent need for a reliable and defensively astute player in this crucial position.

Tagliafico's Profile as a Solution

Nicolas Tagliafico presents a compelling solution to Manchester United's left-back woes. His strengths align perfectly with Ten Hag’s requirements.

• Defensive solidity: Tagliafico is known for his robust tackling, strong aerial ability, and astute positional sense. His experience in high-pressure situations makes him ideally suited for the Premier League.
• Attacking prowess: He's not just a defensive asset; he offers a significant attacking threat with overlapping runs and a knack for delivering accurate crosses.
• Tactical flexibility: Tagliafico’s adaptability allows him to fit seamlessly into various tactical systems, making him a valuable asset for a manager like Ten Hag who demands versatility.
• Experience in a top league: His experience playing for Ajax and Lyon demonstrates his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.

Tagliafico’s experience in a demanding league like Ligue 1 would be invaluable. His aggressive tackling and ability to read the game would significantly improve United's defensive structure, providing the stability needed to implement Ten Hag’s tactical vision effectively. A player like Tagliafico offers both defensive reliability and attacking potential, filling a significant gap in the current squad.

Midfield Instability and Lack of Ball Retention

Another key area where Manchester United struggles is midfield control. The team’s inability to retain possession and dictate the tempo directly impacts Ten Hag's possession-based philosophy.

The Struggle for Control

The midfield has been largely inconsistent in controlling the tempo and shielding the defense effectively.

• High turnover rates: Poor passing accuracy and decision-making lead to frequent turnovers, gifting possession to opponents.
• Inability to control tempo: The midfield has struggled to dictate the rhythm of games, allowing opponents to dictate play.
• Failure to protect the defense: The midfield's lack of defensive solidity leaves the backline exposed to counter-attacks.

The midfield's inability to control possession allows opponents to dominate the game, undermining Ten Hag’s preferred style of play. This lack of control creates further defensive vulnerabilities, creating a vicious cycle of errors and conceded goals.

Impact on Offensive Creativity

The midfield's struggles directly impact the team's offensive capabilities.

• Limited creative passing: The lack of incisive passing limits the creation of scoring opportunities for the forwards.
• Few chances created: The inability to retain possession and control the midfield restricts chances created in the final third.
• Poor link-up play: Disjointed passing and movement limit the effectiveness of the connection between midfield and attack.

The midfield’s struggles have hampered the team’s offensive output, starving the forwards of goal-scoring opportunities. Improved midfield control is paramount for creating a more fluid and effective attacking system.

Lack of Pressing Intensity and Tactical Discipline

Ten Hag's system relies heavily on high pressing and strict positional discipline. The failure of certain players to adhere to this strategy significantly undermines the team's effectiveness.

Failure to Execute Ten Hag's System

Individual players' reluctance to fully commit to Ten Hag’s high-pressing system has directly contributed to the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.

• Players not tracking back: A lack of effort in tracking back leaves gaps in the defense, allowing opponents easy access to goal-scoring opportunities.
• Poor positioning during pressing phases: Incorrect positioning during pressing sequences weakens the overall effectiveness of the press.
• Lack of intensity in defensive actions: A lack of commitment and intensity in defensive actions allows opponents to bypass the press easily.

Certain players' reluctance to adhere to the manager's high-pressing system has undermined the team's defensive stability. Individual errors have punished the team and contributed to poor results, highlighting the need for a collective commitment to Ten Hag's tactical demands.

The Need for a Consistent Team Ethos

Implementing Ten Hag's style requires a collective effort and unwavering commitment to tactical discipline.

• Commitment to the press: Every player must commit fully to the high-pressing system for it to be effective.
• Maintaining positional discipline: Players need to maintain their designated positions to ensure defensive solidity and coordinated attacks.
• Working as a cohesive unit: Teamwork, understanding, and trust are essential for effective execution of the tactical plan.

A lack of collective effort has hampered the team's effectiveness in implementing Ten Hag's tactics. The need for a cohesive team dynamic is crucial to achieving success under the new manager.

Conclusion

Manchester United's struggles under Erik ten Hag are not solely attributable to managerial shortcomings. While tactical decisions are important, the inconsistent performances of certain players are significantly hindering the implementation of his vision. The potential acquisition of a player like Nicolas Tagliafico could significantly address the defensive fragilities. However, broader team improvements, including enhanced ball retention, midfield stability, and a stronger commitment to tactical discipline, are crucial for Ten Hag to achieve his long-term goals. Addressing these deficiencies and effectively integrating new players like Nicolas Tagliafico is vital for improving Manchester United’s overall performance. To delve deeper into improving player performance and exploring potential transfer targets like Nicolas Tagliafico, continue your research using "Nicolas Tagliafico Man United" and similar keywords.