Owen Hargreaves warns Manchester United about tactics against top Premier League teams
- Owen Hargreaves expressed concerns about Manchester United's tactics against stronger teams after their victory over Bodo/Glimt.
- He suggested the need for adjustments in midfield configuration to compete effectively against teams like Arsenal.
- Hargreaves remains optimistic about the team's potential but stresses the importance of strategic changes and patience.
In a recent match, Manchester United secured a victory against Bodo/Glimt, but the performance raised concerns regarding their tactics under new manager Ruben Amorim. Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves analyzed the team's current lineup, which featured a 3-4-2-1 formation with players like Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Despite the win, Hargreaves expressed doubts about the effectiveness of this formation against stronger Premier League opponents such as Arsenal and Manchester City. He noted that while the team has talented players, it might lack the depth necessary to compete for top honors like the Premier League or Champions League in the immediate future. Hargreaves emphasized the importance of results in the upcoming fixtures, particularly against Everton and Arsenal. He suggested that the current midfield configuration may prove problematic against tougher competition, proposing that future matches might require one of the No10s to drop deeper, allowing the wing-backs to push higher to provide width. His analysis reflects a broader concern about the team's readiness to face elite clubs in the league. Furthermore, Hargreaves highlighted the potential of young players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund, who could play crucial roles in the team's development. Hojlund, singled out for his talent, managed to score in the recent match, showcasing the positive aspects of Amorim's focus on youth development. Hargreaves is optimistic about United's future but acknowledges that it will take time for the squad to strengthen and adapt to the demands of top-flight football. In summary, while Manchester United managed to achieve a vital win against Bodo/Glimt, the underlying tactical issues raised by Owen Hargreaves call for a reevaluation of the team's approach as they gear up to face more formidable opponents in the coming weeks. The need for patience and strategic adjustments was emphasized, underlining the transitional phase the team is undergoing under Amorim's leadership.