Manchester United revert to chaos ball vs Burnley as Erik ten Hag continues stubborn approach | OneFootball

The tough times keep continuing for Manchester United as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by 19th-placed Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

It was Antony, who had a disastrous first half and was lucky to be on the pitch at that point, who scored for the Red Devils but Andre Onana ended up conceding a silly penalty which allowed the visitors to equalise in the 87th minute.

It was a poor mistake from Casemiro who decided to try and head the ball back when there was no need to and the Cameroonian came rushing out, as he did in the opening game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and this time he was penalised by VAR.

But the referees missed two clear penalties that the hosts should have had for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho and a handball shout. VAR was nowhere to be seen then.

Unsustainable style

Erik ten Hag might point to inconsistency from the referee for the draw but how he keeps setting up the team in this unsustainable manner is perplexing. Nothing has changed from that Wolves game.

The Clarets played through the poor United press easily everytime and if not for some fine saves from the United No 1, a bigger shock could have been in store.

All Vincent Kompany’s men needed was one single pass to bypass the entire midfield which had a severe lack of pace due to the presence of Christian Eriksen.

The defence was also slow considering Harry Maguire’s presence and they stayed back and there was usually acres to play in between the lines.

Injuries have been a factor but Ten Hag has remained obstinate that the team will continue to play this way irrespective of the suitability and availability of personnel. Burnley ended up completing the game with more possession and also had 16 shots.

United did create quite a few presentable chances of their own but Bruno Fernandes was not at his best while both wingers were guilty of spurning several big chances.

Antony’s goal might mean more chances moving forward and to be fair, he was good in the second half but Amad Diallo has been knocking on the door for long and he deserves a start ahead of a player who has struggled throughout his sophomore season.

EtH being stubborn could cost him

After the Sheffield United game, there was talk of Jason Wilcox ordering the manager to employ a more possession-based approach moving forward.

But it seems the Blades allowed the 20-time English league champions to play that way in midweek as on Saturday, the team reverted to type and continued to play chaos ball.

The game got extremely stretched as the game wore on and it seemed to suit United more as they threatened on the counter, which was expected but it is clear that this style does not work.

Ten Hag’s stubborn approach to saving his job could end up costing him in the end. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are watching and it has not been pretty viewing throughout the season.

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