Manchester United superstar has huge worry under Erik ten Hag
Manchester United’s squad and style, are both expected to undergo a transformation following the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager. The Dutchman is coming from Ajax with a huge reputation, having re-established them as the top team in the Netherlands during his time there and also guiding them a Champions League semi-finals against all odds and expectations a few years back.
Thus, there is very little doubt that Ten Hag is an excellent manager. But it will be a whole different ball game at Manchester United. Can he succeed where legends like Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal have failed? Only time shall tell.
There are a number of players at Manchester United, who could be on their way out soon. One such player is Dean Henderson, as it is believed that the English goalkeeper is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest, who are back in the Premier League after many years.
Is it the right decision though, considering the clear problems that David de Gea could have adjusting to Ten Hag’s style of football?
Manchester United superstar could have huge problems in Ten Hag’s system
As The Athletic points out:
"The long-held football philosophy at Ajax demands that players take exquisite care of the ball — and Ten Hag is no different when it comes to that.He will expect a United goalkeeper to be comfortable in possession and able to start passing sequences from the back."
De Gea has a lot of strengths and he was arguably the club’s best player last season, but his ability with the ball at his feet is not one of them.
De Gea has always been known as an excellent shot stopper, but has never really developed his passing at Manchester United, partly due to the fact that during his time at Old Trafford, there has never been an emphasis on possession-based football at the club.
This could prove to be a problem for the Spaniard under the management of Ten Hag though and it remains to be seen how well he can adapt to the Dutchman’s style of football. At the 31 years of age, it would be a surprise if he can suddenly become comfortable with the ball at his feet.