United defender under Erik ten Hag

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Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United's defence folded 'like a pack of cards' for Melbourne Victory's goal in pre-season clash - but refuses to blame Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof because 'it is the team who made mistakes'

* Manchester United conceded a sloppy opening goal against Melbourne Victory
* Centre-backs Harry Magurie and Victor Lindelof seemed at fault for the strike
* United manager Erik ten Hag refused to pick out individuals after the game
* He said the whole team was to blame as he continues to look for more signings

Erik ten hag was happy to see Manchester United win back-to-back games on tour, but accused his players of folding 'like a pack of cards' when they went behind to Melbourne Victory at the MCG.

United conceded inside five minutes when they were opened up down their left-hand side. Melbourne bypassed Luke Shaw and Anthony Elanga before Ben Folami raced away from Victor Lindelof and crossed for Chris Ikonomidis to score with Harry Maguire nowhere to be seen.

Ten Hag said: 'I don't want to talk about the individual because I think it was from the start high up the pitch: the wrong choices and then it ends up like a pack of cards. It's not one individual, it is more the team who made mistakes.

'But we turned the game around, that was the really good thing. We don't come down, we react and we deal with the setback.'

United hit back to win 4-1 with goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and an own-goal by Edmond Lupancu, following on from their 4-0 win over Liverpool in Bangkok.

Ten Hag added: 'It was a totally different approach from the opponent. They stand really back, really compact, and we had to create by ourselves.

'From the left side, it was not that easy. From the right side, I was quite satisfied and we created a lot off the right side, four or five really good chances.


Erik ten Hag was honest when speaking about his defence after his side's latest friendly. Harry Maguire (L) and Victor Lindelof (R) both made errors in the build-up to Melbourne Victory's goal. ten Hag wouldn't pick out individuals when assessing Manchester United's frailties in the game

'I think the whole right side played really well because there's a good connection between Jadon Sancho and Diogo Dalot and Bruno (Fernandes), Martial and also McTominay.'

It was Martial's second goal is as many games on tour after going out on loan to Sevilla in the second half of last season. The Frenchman appeared to have a bleak future at United, but Ten Hag hinted that he could stay at the club if he has the right motivation.

'I'm sure he can come back even better,' said Ten Hag. 'I think when he has the right focus and the right motivation and he works hard, he will have production because he is a good player.

'I say when he has the right focus and every day delivers much, then he will have production and it's up to him.'

United will play their third game of their pre-season tour on Tuesday when they face Crystal Palace in Melbourne.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11018097/Erik-ten-Hag-admits-Manchester-Uniteds-folded-like-pack-cards-goal-pre-season-clash.html

sering2 aja bikin kesalahan, siap2 tergeser oleh Lisandro-Varane

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Manchester United aiming for summer clearout as they try to ship SIX defenders before the end of the transfer window... with Sevilla interested in Alex Telles and Phil Jones in talks with DC United

* Manchester United are trying to ship out a number of their defensive players
* Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Baily are welcome to leave the club
* Axel Tuanzebe, Ethan Laird and Phil Jones could also be shown the door

Manchester United are looking to ship six of their out-of-favour defenders before the transfer window closes in one month as new boss Erik ten Hag continues rebuilding his squad.

Sportsmail understands all of Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Baily, Axel Tuanzebe, Ethan Laird and Phil Jones are all surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

The arrival of Tyrell Malacia as competition for Luke Shaw has pushed Telles towards the door. The Brazilian has interest from Sevilla in Spain and the 29-year-old only arrive at Old Trafford two years ago for £15.4million.

Wan-Bissaka is the player United would likely lose the most money on. The former Crystal Palace man cost the club £50m in 2019, but he has failed to kick-on as the club had expected.


Alex Telles (R) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (L) are welcome to leave Manchester United this month

The Eagles are interested in taking Wan-Bissaka back on loan and it seems that's the most likely market for the right-back.

Jones, who made an impressive return to the Red Devils lineup last season, is also free to leave.

Former teammate and now D.C. United manager Wayne Rooney is rumoured to be interested and they've held tentative talks.

Bailly is another player who United would have liked to recover some money on, but injuries have hampered his time at Old Trafford.


Phil Jones (L) and Eric Bailly (R) are also among the group United are looking to let go

United paid £30m in 2016 for the Ivory Coast international and it's believed former United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on a reunion with the centre-back.

AC Milan and Fulham are other options for the 28-year-old while Sevilla have emerged as frontrunners as well.

Youth products Laird and Tuanzebe are also set to play elsewhere next year, but the former won't be on a permanent basis.

Laird, who played six games for Bournemouth in the second-half of last season, is set to join Watford on-loan in the championship and that deal is all but done.

Tuanzebe is said to be attracting interest from newly promoted Bournemouth. The 24-year-old had three loan spells with Aston Villa before heading to Napoli last January, but he hardly featured.

The wages United would save by finding new homes for these players will perhaps be more valuable than the fees they are able to collect.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11069891/Manchester-United-aiming-ship-SIX-defenders-end-transfer-window-clearout.html

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Rio Ferdinand claims Raphael Varane's partnership with Lisandro Martinez has transformed Manchester United, as he admits the France star will be a 'huge loss' after suffering injury at Chelsea

* Rio Ferdinand has praised Raphael Varane's partnership with Lisandro Martinez
* He said Manchester United will struggle without Varane during the World Cup
* Ferdinand said Varane brings 'speed, experience and physicality' to the team
* Varane could be out of the World Cup after sustaining an injury against Chelsea

Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Raphael Varane's partnership with Lisandro Martinez and said that Manchester United could struggle to maintain their unbeaten run without the France international.

The Red Devils secured a draw against Chelsea on Saturday night but lost their star defender, Varane, to injury after he was forced off the pitch just under the 60-minute mark.

Ferdinand has said Varane - who is now touch-and-go for November's World Cup - will be a 'huge loss' for Erik ten Hag and his United squad as he brings 'speed, experience and physicality' to the team.

If Varane is deemed fit enough, he will attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Therefore, the France international will miss between three to four weeks of action with Manchester United.

If Varane is ruled out injured, he will still miss a string of games for the Red Devils as he undergoes a rehab programme for the injury he sustained against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Ferdinand has said Victor Lindelof and Martinez will do a 'good job' of filling in for Varane but said the 29-year-old provides the 'speed, experience and physicality' United need to thrive.


Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Raphael Varane's partnership with Lisandro Martinez. Ferdinand says Varane (left) brings 'speed, experience and physicality' to the United team

Therefore, Ferdinand has said Varane's absence will be a 'huge loss' for Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United squad.

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: 'It seems to me that it isn't going to be Harry Maguire who comes in now. It looks like it's going to be [Victor] Lindelof.'

The former footballer and BT Sport pundit went on to say: 'Lindelof is decent, I think he will come in and do a job, it just depends how long he's being asked to do that job.'

'Martinez has been top this season but Varane gives us that something different, that speed, that experience and physicality,' Ferdinand continued. 'I think he could be a huge loss.

'You need them two [Varane and Martinez] back together. We've seen straight away that those two together make us a different team, it's as simple as that.'

However, Varane's place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be under threat as he left the pitch in tears after fewer than 60 minutes against Chelsea on Saturday night.

Varane looked to have injured his upper leg when trying to cut out a pass to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 29-year-old lunged out with his right foot away from his body to try to stretch towards the ball and cut off the attack.

However, his attempts to stifle the threat left him in a heap in visible pain after the impact of planting his foot in the ground seemed to jar his knee.

The French international required immediate treatment and was in evident discomfort, before being substituted for Lindelof.

The nature and extent of Varane's injury are still unconfirmed. As a result, France manager Didier Deschamps will be left sweating over his fitness.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11347547/Rio-Ferdinand-says-Raphael-Varanes-partnership-Lisandro-Martinez-transformed-United.html

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David de Gea hails Manchester United's defensive depth as recalled Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof help the Red Devils keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth

* Manchester United continued their good form with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth
* Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof kept a clean sheet on their return to the side
* Goalkeeper David de Gea has praised the defensive depth at Old Trafford
* United recorded an eighth clean sheet in the league to match last season's total

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has claimed 'it doesn't matter who is playing' at centre back due to their defensive depth after the recalled Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof helped the Red Devils keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

United boss Erik ten Hag started Maguire and Lindelof against Bournemouth, with first-choice pairing Lisandro Martinez - who has returned to the squad following Argentina's World Cup celebrations - and Raphael Varane left on the bench.

The Red Devils eased to a 3-0 win over the Cherries at Old Trafford on Tuesday to record a fourth straight victory in the Premier League and a ninth in 10 games in all competitions.

Maguire and Lindelof were making just their fourth league starts of the campaign, with the former named in the XI for the first time since October.


David de Gea has hailed Manchester United's defensive depth after another clean sheet. Harry Maguire marked his first start in the league since October with an assured display

De Gea has hailed the club's defensive depth, with Luke Shaw having also deputised successfully at left centre back in recent matches.

'It's a great feeling [to keep a clean sheet], the whole team deserved it,' De Gea told MUTV.

'For example, we changed the centre-backs and they played really well, so it doesn't matter who is playing.


Victor Lindelof made just his fourth league start of the campaign in the win over Bournemouth. Manchester United started 2023 by recording their fourth consecutive Premier League win

'We have the feeling we are a great team, everyone is in the same direction, playing and training 100 per cent, it's great to see the team like this.

'It's massive for us, it does not matter who plays the game.

'Everyone is ready to play and the substitutions today were also great, I feel really happy with all the players, we are doing really well.'

The result gave United their fourth consecutive clean sheet and their eighth in the Premier League this season - matching the club's return last season.

Leaders Arsenal were the last side to score at Old Trafford in the Premier League back in September.

United's defence has since shut out Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Ten Hag's side have now kept clean sheets in 10 of their last 14 matches in all competitions.

Victory over Bournemouth saw United strengthen their hold of a Champions League spot as they established a five-point gap over fifth-placed Tottenham.

United moved to within a point of rivals and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and are nine points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11597989/David-Gea-hails-Man-Uniteds-defensive-depth-keeping-fourth-consecutive-clean-sheet.html

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Erik ten Hag criticises Man United defending in 3-2 defeat by Arsenal and admits his side 'have to change their mentality to win trophies'... but insists he can 'improve things with coaching'

* United conceded three sloppy goals as they lost 3-2 to Arsenal on Sunday
* They are now fourth in the Premier League table after their first defeat in eight
* ten Hag admitted his side 'have a way to go' if they want to be at the top level

Erik ten Hag has criticised Manchester United's defending after the Red Devils lost 3-2 to Arsenal on Sunday.

Eddie Nketiah scored twice and Bukayo Saka was also on the scoresheet as the league leaders came from behind to claim victory at the Emirates, with the winning goal coming late on in the match.

Via Manchester Evening News, ten Hag said his players 'have to change their mentality' if they want to be successful, after admitting he was 'annoyed' by the defeat.

'Maybe in the next couple of hours we realise we are in a good position, realise we are in a good development, a good process, but at this moment I am annoyed,' the Dutchman said. 'I also told the players if you want to win trophies, titles, we have to change our mentality.


Erik ten Hag has criticised Manchester United's defending in their recent defeat tot Arsenal. United were unable to hold out for a draw after they conceded a late winner from forward Eddie Nketiah

'It's not possible you are in a top game, you're making three such big mistakes where you concede goals. Especially the last goal, you have to feel the game on that point.

'A point was the maximum and then you have to take the point and you can't give such a goal away like we did on top level. Then you can't win trophies.'


ten Hag admitted his side 'cannot win trophies' if they don't change their mentality in games. United's defenders, including Luke Shaw (right), struggled to contain the Gunners' attack

United slipped to fourth in the table after the defeat but have been on a good run of form of late and look good to finish in the top four, despite half of the season still left to play.

ten Hag went onto admit he 'can change' the mentality he was referring to as he looks to turn United into title challengers once again.

'It was like a pack of cards with the goals we concede, starting with the corner and then we make mistakes', he added.

'We didn't show the discipline and rules we have there, and you concede goals.

'I said before, the team who wants the most will win today. Of course, we had a game in the week, we had some disadvantages, but excuses are not possible at the top level.

'I think with coaching, we can change that, we have already seen how the mentality from the players has changed over the last couple of months but we also have to notice today we have a way to go to be on top level.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11664629/Erik-ten-Hag-criticises-Man-United-defending-defeat-Arsenal.html

pertahanan United kali ini bermain tidak seperti biasanya, dieksploitasi oleh Saka, Martinelli dan Odegaard, sering memberikan ruang tembak kepada pemain Arsenal

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The Casemiro effect, David De Gea's return to form is going under the radar and Aaron Wan-Bissaka's surprise revival... How Manchester United became a defensive unit under Erik ten Hag after amassing the joint-second most clean sheets in Europe

* Manchester United have picked up 15 clean sheets in 27 games so far this season
* The Red Devils are now joint-second for the most clean sheets in all of Europe
* Sportsmail takes a look at the reasons why United's defence has become solid

How quickly things can change in five months. Manchester United's defence has gone from shambolic to steely - with Erik ten Hag's side amassing the joint-second most clean sheets in all of Europe this season.

The Red Devils have now picked up 15 clean sheets in 27 games so far this campaign, meaning they are joint with Spanish giants Barcelona and just one behind Premier League rivals Newcastle United – who lead the list with 16.

That statistic has arguably gone under the radar, but should be a huge testament to the impact that new boss Ten Hag has already instilled since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer.


Man United have amassed the joint-second most clean sheets in all of Europe this season. That statistic is a huge testament to the impact that new boss Erik ten Hag has had at United

The former Ajax boss was projected to come into United with his ball-playing philosophy and bring back some free-flowing football - as he is known as a pass master from his time in Holland.

The Dutchman has done that to an extent, although he perhaps should be getting praise for the steely defence that United now have, as that has been a huge issue for the club in recent seasons.

Heavy defeats to Brentford and Manchester City early in the season means they haven't got the best goal difference in the top-flight, but since those defeats we have seen an immense transition.

Questions were being asked of the defence two games into the season after a 2-1 loss to Brighton, which was followed up by a horrendous 4-0 thrashing to Brentford.

Things drastically improved after that - despite one brief dip when they were thumped 6-3 by Manchester City in early October.

Sportsmail takes a look at what has really changed since the early stages of the season and Erik ten Hag's arrival at United.

MOST CLEAN SHEETS IN EUROPE

Newcastle United - 16

Barcelona - 15

Manchester United - 15

Manchester City - 14

Arsenal - 14

Real Sociedad - 14

CASEMIRO EFFECT

The turning point and a huge factor of the defence becoming so solid was the introduction of defensive midfielder Casemiro from the bench in that heavy City defeat - having joined from Spanish giants Real Madrid in August.

His first match was slightly delayed after his arrival, but since he has come into the starting line-up, United haven't looked back.


Casemiro has had a huge impact at United

United finally have that midfielder they have been desiring for numerous seasons, one that has offered the backline protection and has made a real difference at both ends of the pitch.

Casemiro has even scored twice and contributed five assists since he swapped the Bernabeu for Old Trafford in August.

Even more so, it massively showed how important he is the team when they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal when he was suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card against Crystal Palace.

The Brazilian midfielder is receiving huge praise from pundits after each and every match for his impact on games.

His presence sitting just in front of the backline has been huge, as regardless of who starts they seem to be solid with him in the line-up, whether it's Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire at centre-back.

DE GEA'S FORM HAS GONE UNDER THE RADAR

David De Gea is having a sublime season, which seems surreal given his disaster start to life under Ten Hag, with his shockingly poor performance against Brentford.

The Spaniard has bounced back, despite huge criticism and even question marks surrounding his future, given his contract situation and the clear fact that the boss has never signalled his pure intent over whether or not De Gea is his man moving forward.

United have been linked with numerous goalkeepers throughout the season, but the long-serving shot-stopper appears to have cancelled that noise out, and produced some of his best displays for the club in a few seasons.

The 32-year-old has pulled off huge saves to keep United's score lines down and appears to have adapted to life under ten Hag without too much noise surrounding his displays - whether it be positively or negatively.

De Gea has been an ever-present in every single match, barring the Carabao Cup this season, and to keep any clean sheets your goalkeeper has to play a part.

It goes without saying, keeping 15 clean sheets should win you some deserved praise.


David De Gea has been a key figure for United

LUKE SHAW STEPPING UP

Most have been lauding the centre-back partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, but just as important is left-back Luke Shaw.

There is no denying that Martinez has been stellar since arriving for £57million in the summer and the fact he has formed a great partnership with France star Varane.

But even in his absence after the former Ajax defender helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, United managed to find a way to remain solid in defence.


Luke Shaw has not put a foot wrong since being re-called at either left-back or centre-back

Even more bizarrely with England left-back Luke Shaw deployed as a centre-back, much to everyone's surprise - helping shut down Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola's array of Man City stars in one of those matches.

Perhaps coming as a shock, considering the Dutchman dropped Shaw after the first two Premier League games but brought him back into the fold after missing the next five league games. Ever since, he hasn't put a foot wrong.

Ten Hag has heaped praise on Shaw numerous times, but a stand-out moment was after the City win.

He said: 'He's an example of how to win big games. I'm really happy with his development. It's been huge either at centre-half or left full-back. He's a great player and a great personality for the dressing room.

'It (playing him at centre back against City) is a big decision but when you analyse the profile of Haaland and the combination with De Bruyne it was also the right decision because Luke has the physical power to compete with them and has the tactical view to make the right decision and technical skills to play in that position.'

AARON WAN-BISSAKA'S REVIVAL

Surely no one expected this? Aaron Wan-Bissaka had played a total of four minutes prior to the 2022 World Cup break and looked as though he would be pushed out the door in January.

The former Crystal Palace full-back, instead has gone against the odds and took the opportunity to show his worth after the boss was forced to deploy him due to the injury to Diogo Dalot after the break.

The 25-year-old has played a key role since and is now arguably the first-choice at right-back, although ten Hag will be delighted to have some healthy competition when Dalot returns to full fitness.


Aaron Wan-Bissaka has revived his Manchester United career since the 2022 World Cup break

Some may say that Wan-Bissaka has had an easy run of games after returning to the team with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth among his first few fixtures back.

He was, however, also tasked with marking the livewire Phil Foden and nullified his impact to the extent he was hooked after 55 minutes in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

Another stand-out moment was his last-ditch tackle to stop Wilfried Zaha in his tracks as he raced forward on the counter-attack in their recent 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Wan-Bissaka has played the last nine consecutive matches in all competitions and United have kept six clean sheets during that period, proving his impact and his place back in the side.

It would be unjust if Dalot came straight back in for Wan-Bissaka while he is performing in this manner.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11683085/How-Manchester-United-quietly-amassed-joint-second-clean-sheets-Europe.html

efek yg paling berasa sih dengan kedatangan Casemiro, lini tengah + lini belakang jadi lebih kokoh, otomatis serangan musuh akan diredam Casemiro dkk jadi ancaman ke lini belakang jadi berkurang. Casemiro bersaing dengan Rashford untuk meraih gelar POTY