Man Utd boss Ten Hag insists he's 'said everything' on Sancho saga
Manchester United have suffered four defeats in their opening seven Premier League games for the first time in their history, two of them at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag is feeling intensifying pressure as a result, but the Dutchman was let down by four of his players in Saturday’s 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace.
Victor Lindelof
There was a widespread belief that Ten Hag could stick with Harry Maguire after his dominant performance alongside Raphael Varane in Tuesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win.
But the Dutchman recalled Lindelof, and the decision didn’t pay off. The Swede recorded a 95 per cent pass accuracy but contributed little to breaking Palace down, given that most were sideways.
Lindelof was also tasked with marking Joachim Andersen but lost the Eagles centre-back before he fired in the winner from Eberechi Eze’s free-kick in the first half.
With Lisandro Martinez expected to miss at least two more months with a foot issue, Ten Hag had a significant problem at centre-back. Beyond Varane, his options aren’t flattering.
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Sofyan Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat enjoyed a successful maiden start midweek, orchestrating the midfield battle as United’s stand-in left-back.
He produced a contrasting performance on Saturday, making five fouls, most of the needless, including the one that led to Palace’s winner.
The visitors targeted Amrabat in the absence of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon through a freak injury crisis.
He won just six of his 14 ground duels, was dribbled past twice and lost possession 18 times.
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Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s form has become a significant worry for United. After producing a career-best 30-goal last season, he has netted just once in eight appearances this term.
And his frustrations in front of goal extend into the end of the last campaign, scoring just four times in 18 Premier League games.
Rashford looks like an unsettled figure while having to hold onto the ball and look for a pass rather than burst at defenders and go for goal, which harvested rewards last season.
United’s struggles will likely continue for as long as their No 10 remains below-par.
That said, Alejandro Garnacho scored midweek and looked bright as a substitute this weekend. He is breathing down Rashford’s neck.
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Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund undoubtedly needs time to settle in England and has shouldered an almighty level of pressure at the age of 20.
But he is United’s first-choice striker, costing £72million, and will be judged accordingly. And he should have found the net against Palace, missing two good chances.
The Danish frontman completed all three of his attempted dribbles and looked a promising focal point at the end of Diogo Dalot’s crosses.
Hojlund will get patience from most United fans, but he needs to start delivering when the goal is at his mercy.
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