Erik ten Hag's tactical nightmare prevented by last-minute Fletcher intervention
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United reign began with a trophy after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Villarreal in Gdansk back in May.
However, it could have been a very different story had the Dutchman not been talked out of a potentially disastrous tactical switch at the eleventh hour.
United's new manager was keen to implement his preferred 4-3-3 formation from the off, having enjoyed great success with it at Ajax.
But that would have meant dropping Bruno Fernandes to the bench, with the Portuguese playmaker having been one of United's standout performers during the previous campaign.
Assistant manager Darren Fletcher was among those who convinced ten Hag to stick with the tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 system, with Fernandes operating in the No.10 role.
And it proved to be the right decision, with the Red Devils eventually prevailing on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Ten Hag has since spoken about the importance of Fernandes to his team, and it's clear that the Portuguese star will continue to be a key player under the new manager.
However, it's also clear that ten Hag is not afraid to make bold decisions, and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the big games in the future.
Erik ten Hag's tactical nightmare: A step-by-step guide
- Ten Hag wanted to implement his preferred 4-3-3 formation from the off.
- This would have meant dropping Bruno Fernandes to the bench.
- Assistant manager Darren Fletcher convinced ten Hag to stick with the tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 system.
- United eventually prevailed on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Conclusion
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United reign began with a trophy after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Villarreal in Gdansk back in May.
However, it could have been a very different story had the Dutchman not been talked out of a potentially disastrous tactical switch at the eleventh hour.
Ten Hag has since spoken about the importance of Fernandes to his team, and it's clear that the Portuguese star will continue to be a key player under the new manager.
