Erik Ten Hag needs to look into the following issues after Liverpool's defeat

Manchester United have made significant progress under Erik ten Hag in his first season as manager, but the scenarios that occurred at Anfield on Sunday show that there is still work to be done by the 53-year-old.

 

The former Ajax boss has managed to turn things around at Old Trafford despite being left with a depleted squad, and it's just nine months into his appointment as manager. Evidently, the team has learned to dominate games and grind out results even on their worst days.

 

The players have given their all for the badge this season, and thankfully they have played a part in ending the team's trophy drought by clinching the Carabao Cup a few weeks ago, eliminating Barcelona in the Europa League, and being in contention for a return to the UEFA Champions League competition next season. However, Sunday's demolition at the hands of archrival Liverpool has called Erik Ten Hag's attention to some decisions regarding certain players' futures at Old Trafford.

 

The team was collectively poor, so it's not about singling out individuals for blame but rather a way forward for the team's progress.

 

Right back dilemma

 

Erik Ten Hag would consider making changes to the right back position. Diogo Dalot started the season superbly and has proven he is the right player (currently available in the squad) that fits Erik Ten Hag's style, but recently he has been consistently exposed.

 

Fans suggested that the 23-year-old isn't a big game player, but his counterpart Aaron Wan Bissaka is a better player in big games but isn't so great in attacking play, and it's obviously a very important aspect of Erik Ten Hag's style of football.

 

The number 9 position

 

Anthony Martial would have had his best season under Erik Ten Hag, just like Marcus Rashford, as evidenced by his goal contributions this season despite playing fewer minutes on the pitch.

 

The 27-year-old has continued to struggle with his injury woes, which have kept him out of the team. This as well forced the Red Devils to bring in an emergency recruitment, although it's down to the team's transfer strategy to match financial constraints.

 

The February loanee from Burnley has just one goal since his arrival despite starting all games. He has however impressed with his work ethic and defensive contributions, but that's not his primary duty on the pitch.

 

Erik Ten Hag will have to sort out the squad depth as well, and it's not just about sorting it out; he needs to bring in players he can trust to carry out their duties diligently on the pitch.

 

If he had had more players he trusted available to him, the disgrace they faced at Anfield might have been avoidable. The players were clearly suffering from fatigue; it wasn't just against Liverpool; it started showing from the return leg of the Europa League playoff against Barcelona. 

 

With the hectic schedule of fixtures, Erik Ten Hag clearly needed to rotate the team, but the unavailability of trusted players at his disposal makes it tough for him to make such decisions.