Manchester United's draw with FC Porto was just another brick in a wall of underwhelming results to start the 2024-2025 campaign. Blowing a two-goal lead, having your captain sent off, and equalizing in the dying minutes have become all too familiar a scene for United supporters. To be fair, the former parts of that equation usually result in a loss. Although Harry Maguire's 91st-minute equalizer would usually call for a celebration - United's reaction to the goal suggested a feeling of just keeping their heads above quicksand instead of the joy that comes from building towards a sustained form of success.
Just over two seasons into Erik ten Hag's tenure it has become commonplace to concede early, concede late, and to show very little resilience in the face of adversity. As a result, INEOS are facing a pivotal moment in this rebuild that calls for numerous changes and decisions to made on key subjects - some of which have been in conversation, even before Ten Hag stepped foot in Old Tratford.
With that said, let's review the five biggest issues facing Manchester United
Erik ten Hag - In or out?
The Porto draw was the final straw for me. You could say I'm a little late to the party, but I have appreciated the two trophies Erik ten Hag brought to United, as well as his ability to develop young players, namely, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund. That being said, this squad has zero backbone. One goal from the opposition can cripple United's form and mentality to the point where, once the snowball starts rolling down the hill, there's no stopping it.
Ultimately, this comes down to leadership—both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Former Manchester United assistant Benni McCarthy recently spoke about some of Ten Hag's shortcomings. Specifically, he mentioned that the Dutchman 'lacks a bit of that fire, that passion'. United's next manager needs to possess a combination of tactical knowledge and the ability to lead and motivate his players.
Is there a future for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United?
Marcus Rashford should be allowed to salvage the rest of his career somewhere else. In the same breath, Manchester United need to move on from Rashford to find their best 11 with this squad, as currently constructed. No one can doubt the English forward's talent - however, his lack of consistency has hurt United's ability to move forward and rebuild with purpose. Anyone can see that Garnacho is more comfortable on the left side of the pitch, and he has a promising and developing chemistry with Diogo Dalot in the build-up of play.
Understandably, ten Hag has tried to back Rashford at every turn to get the best out of who he believes is his best player. But enough is enough. Despite the 26-year old's four goals this season, it doesn't make up for the amount of times he's drifted out of games, or failed to track back in defense. The next manager needs to start Garnacho on the left wing or sign another talented winger.
Should Bruno Fernandes be the captain?
Despite his poor run of form, Bruno Fernandes is still one of the most creative players in the Premier League and has been for the past six seasons. And while form should factor in the decision to appoint one player as captain over another, temperament is another equally important factor related to leadership. Fernandes has received a red card in two consecutive matches (although the one he received against Tottenham Hotspur was rescinded). While his fire and passion are a staple of his personality - in recent matches - it's hurt his team.
Beyond the bookings, Fernandes' body language, especially, when things are not going well, is particularly visible on the pitch. The Portuguese international routinely throws his hands in the air, hangs his head, yells at both the refs, and at times his own teammates. It's one thing to try and motivate a player by getting after them, but Fernandes does not seem to possess that ability. Although a strong alternative as captain has not yet emerged, it's a question that needs to be answered prior to the end of this season.
What Joshua Zirkzee's best position?
Joshua Zirkzee has been miscast as a lead striker with Manchester United. While he has impressed supporters with his one-touch passing, movement on the pitch, and his overall link-up play, he's struggled with the most important part of being a striker - putting the ball in the back of the net. Through eight matches, The Dutch international has converted just one of his 18 shots. Zirkzee is better suited playing the no.10 role behind Rasmus Hojlund, linking play between the midfield and the attackers.
What is Manchester United's best formation?
Manchester United should be employing either a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation. As currently constructed, Erik ten Hag's sides are routinely shredded through the midfield - often losing possession, leading to deep runs into their own half. Additionally, there's been too much inconsistency with how and when United press. There have been games this season - against Brighton (although it ended in a loss), and against Southampton, where United have pressed well and controlled the tempo for large portions of the game. Conversley, in matches against Liverpool, FC Twente, and Porto, United have looked too passive and unsure of their own gameplan.
A 4-4-2 allows United to have their best creative players (Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee) in the same starting 11 to support Hojlund. A 3-5-2 allows the Red Devils play Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Leny Yoro (when he returns from injury) together on the back line. This formation also provides more opportunity for midfield combinations of Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte. Of course, this means tough decisions would need to be made regarding the wingers, but at least, there will be more structure in the midfield.
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