{"id":295443,"date":"2023-10-07T21:46:43","date_gmt":"2023-10-07T21:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=295443"},"modified":"2023-10-07T21:46:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-07T21:46:43","slug":"four-things-ten-hag-got-wrong-and-one-right-as-supersub-sees-utd-beat-brentford","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/soccer\/four-things-ten-hag-got-wrong-and-one-right-as-supersub-sees-utd-beat-brentford\/","title":{"rendered":"Four things ten Hag got wrong and one right as supersub sees Utd beat Brentford"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    The Theatre of Dreams has been Erik ten Hag's living nightmare this season, and it had only gone from bad to worse for the Dutchman – until a Scottish saviour appeared.<\/p>\n

    Brentford last tasted victory at Old Trafford in 1937, and almost a century later, Thomas Frank's men almost downed the Red Devils. Andre Onana was at the centre of attention again, as he was beaten by a tame shot from Danish star Mathias Jensen.<\/p>\n

    Scott McTominay was Ten Hag's hero, finding the net in the dying embers of the clash for Manchester United – and then doing the same again moments later. The Scot replicated his international goalscoring form into the Premier League, saving his side.<\/p>\n

    Erik ten Hag's goalkeeping decisions<\/span><\/h3>\n

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    Ten Hag made a big call over the summer when he decided to sell David De Gea and replace him with Onana – who has had his fair share of critics in recent weeks.<\/p>\n

    The Dutchman defended his expensive star in the week – claiming he has the abilities to be one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. However, Onana committed another howler at Brentford.<\/p>\n

    If Onana had challengers to his throne as United's No.1, his performances could be upped by the challenge of De Gea.<\/p>\n

    Defensive fragility<\/h3>\n

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    \u00a322 a month<\/p>\n

    It would be unfair to pin United's defensive woes on Jonny Evans – after all, even he wouldn't have expected to be in this position last season.<\/p>\n

    Ten Hag named a back four of Diogo Dalot, Evans, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof. Questions have to be asked of the Red Devils' recruitment over the summer that has led to such a weak backline in an important Premier League game.<\/p>\n

    Why did Ten Hag not strengthen at the back, knowing a couple of injuries could plunge United into such a crisis. The Red Devils were at sixes and sevens for Jensen's strike.<\/p>\n

    Can we talk about Casemiro<\/h3>\n

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    Last season Casemiro was on of the revelations of the campaign, proving that age is just a number. However, he's resembled something more of a statue this time out.<\/p>\n

    "Another defensive mess. Embarrassing from Casemiro," one fan fumed. While a second added: "Another howler from Onana but we shouldn't be getting to that point, beyond pathetic from Casemiro!"<\/p>\n

    The Brazilian was hauled off at half-time by Ten Hag – but he should have never been near the starting side. McTominay has improved in recent months, and his goals saved the Red Devils on Saturday.<\/p>\n

    Marcus Rashford's poor run of form<\/h3>\n

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    Marcus Rashford single-handedly hauled the Red Devils into a short-lived title race last season – but he's been a shell of that player this season.<\/p>\n

    A spell on the sidelines could hold the key to giving Rashford the kick up the backside that could see him regain that kind of form. However, his confidence is at all time low – and it's showing on the pitch.<\/p>\n

    Ten Hag hooked the Englishman in the second half, tasking Alejandro Garnacho with helping United out of their current hole.<\/p>\n

    Scott the Saviour<\/h3>\n

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    Scott McTominay has been on the wrong end of a lot of criticism by United fans in recent seasons, but he's proved his worth time and time again.<\/p>\n

    McTominay netted twice in added time to send Old Trafford into raptures – with the Red Devils turning the game on its head in four minutes. The Scotsman has outscored Erling Haaland on the international stage, and he was introduced by Ten Hag for Sofyan Amrabat.<\/p>\n

    Man Utd tweeted: "Scott McTominay appreciation tweet," and that about sums it up.<\/p>\n