Bizarre Man Utd heatmap from first half vs City reveals Ten Hag’s tactical tweak with fans convinced he copied ex-boss
EAGLE-eyed Manchester United fans spotted Erik ten Hag adopting a tactic from a former boss for the Manchester derby in the first half.
The Red Devils sat deep against fierce rivals Man City in their clash at the Etihad – and were more than happy to hit their neighbours on the break.
With several injuries to personnel, Ten Hag may have felt this was the best idea and to utilise the pace he has in forward positions.
Before the game, it was expected that Marcus Rashford would play as the lone forward.
It was an enforced switch, after they were hit with an injury to in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund.
But, as the game started a decoy was used instead.
It was Bruno Fernandes who appeared to be playing as the false nine, with Rashford pulling out wide when United tried to launch a rare counter attack.
And the pair combined brilliantly for United’s opener.
With Fernandes up top, Andre Onana launched a long ball upfield.
After latching on to the pass, his lay off fell to Rashford who smashed home from 30-yards.
United could have had more joy on the break too but the England man wasted a chance when put through and another when it fell to him at the far post.
Online, fans immediately compared his switch of tactics to a former manager who utilised the Portugal midfielder in a similar role.
That was ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – and fans took to X to discuss it.
One fan wrote: “Ten hag following the Ole playbook for his tactics in this game.”
A second posted: “Can’t believe that Bruno False 9 is working Hergh!! Ten Hag be allo ooo.”
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While a third added: “Ten hag really called up Ole for tips.”
Despite the Ten Hag masterstroke working for the first half, City drew level following the break thanks to Phil Foden’s spectacular long-distance strike.
Foden then added a second after a sweeping City move on the left cut United’s defence to ribbons.
Erling Haaland added gloss to proceedings after United were caught trying to play the ball out of the back to complete a 3-1 win for the hosts.