Paul Merson says he cannot understand why has been playing out of position for .
Since the arrival of Weghorst in January, Ten Hag appears to have settled on his favourite front four after tinkering with his team during his first few months at Old Trafford.
Initially, striker Weghorst played ahead of attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes, with on the left-wing, while one of Antony, Jadon Sancho or Alejandro Garnacho started on the opposite flank.
But in recent games, the personal have not changed but the positions have, with Weghorst moved to No.10 to allow the free-scoring Rashford to play up top.
This tactic has had a good effect so far but was widely criticised following last Sunday when Rashford and co. barely troubled Reds keeper Alisson.
While this was obviously not the sole reason for the defeat, many prior to the game had hoped that Ten Hag would revert back to his previous formation so as to better take advantage of Liverpool’s defensive issues but alas he did not.
‘The manager, for me, has been getting away with it,’ Arsenal legend Merson wrote for Sky Sports as he analysed the game.
‘Yes, he’s done great in a way. But Wout Weghorst as a No 10, I’m not having that. How is he a No 10? How is the manager getting away with that?
‘It’s Manchester United Football Club and you’ve got Weghorst as a 10 – he can’t turn and run, he can’t pass through the eye of a needle. What is the thinking?
‘I’m not blaming Ten Hag because they lost, but why play Marcus Rashford against Virgil van Dijk? He plays out wide every week.
‘You’ve got Liverpool’s weakest defender in Trent Alexander-Arnold having a free ride. Trent wouldn’t have believed his luck.
‘Man Utd got it tactically wrong. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the set-up of the team – there is only one manager who could have got away with that and that is Ten Hag.’
It remains to be seen if Ten Hag will change his tactics for United’s next game on Thursday when they host Real Betis in the first-leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.
, .
, and .
