Erik ten Hag’s Tactical Shift
Erik ten Hag, the head coach of Manchester United, is gearing up to reshape his team’s attacking strategy following Rasmus Højlund’s return from injury. This shift comes with the exploration of innovative tactical approaches that promise to rejuvenate the team’s offensive prowess.
Rasmus Højlund’s Injury Update: When Will the Danish Forward Debut for MU?
Ahead of the season opener against Wolves, Erik ten Hag delivered somber news about Rasmus Højlund’s injury status. The Danish forward had been nursing a back injury since his time with Atalanta. Despite the setback, Manchester United assessed the injury to be manageable, allowing a glimmer of hope for Højlund’s imminent return.
The Anticipated Debut: Unveiling the Star Signing
Ten Hag remained discreet about the highly anticipated debut date for the star signing. However, speculations point towards the upcoming clash with Arsenal in the fourth round of the Premier League. Højlund’s dedicated training and readiness for the Arsenal match highlight his commitment to make an impactful entry into English football.
The Dutch coach’s established tradition of patience with new recruits, akin to Antony, Casemiro, and Malacia, underscores the methodical approach to assimilation before a full-fledged debut.
Rasmus Højlund’s Playing Role at Manchester United
Primarily utilized as a central striker at Atalanta and for the Danish national team, Højlund holds the distinction of being the top choice under Atalanta’s manager Gian Piero Gasperini within the three-forward system during the 2022/23 season. His record of averaging less than one goal per game from 20 starts at Atalanta and netting five goals in two matches for Denmark in 2023 highlights his scoring prowess.
Yet, statistics aside, Højlund’s finishing ability falls short of the mark. Nevertheless, his expansive gameplay, active involvement in ball progression, and versatility have garnered appreciation from Coach Ten Hag.
Moreover, Højlund stands out for his impressive acceleration, capable of covering 100 meters in under 11 seconds. According to Serie A stats, he trailed only Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez in shots on target per 90 minutes in the previous season. The 20-year-old forward managed 1.37 shots on target per game, ranking sixth in Serie A for forward passes per game with 11.
In essence, Højlund’s playing style aligns with Ten Hag’s utilization of Wout Weghorst last season. Højlund’s role involves positioning himself wide, dropping deep to assist in ball recovery, and exploiting the space between opposition center-backs, differentiating from the Dutch striker with his heightened attacking prowess.
Projected Lineup and Tactical Composition
The envisioned lineup features Antony on the right wing and Rashford on the left, with Højlund spearheading the attack as the central striker. Sancho, meanwhile, is expected to be a second-half substitute, capitalizing on his impact later in the match.
As Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag readies his troops for the season’s battles, the integration of Rasmus Højlund post-injury adds a new layer of strategic depth to the team’s attacking game. The Dutch coach’s patient and calculated approach stands poised to unlock the Danish prodigy’s potential, thereby reshaping the dynamics of the club’s offensive play.
