Can Ten Hag win tactical battle against old foe Slot?

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 3.

Match analysis - Manchester United v Liverpool

Erik ten Hag’s tactical duel with Dutch compatriot Arne Slot is an early-season highlight that will make fascinating viewing at Old Trafford this Sunday.

They have both won two Eredivisie matches against each another in the past, but this will be their first head-to-head since March 2022.

Liverpool failed to beat Man Utd in three attempts last season, with each match ending on level terms after 90 minutes.

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So this highly anticipated encounter is likely to provide a useful gauge of how each side are progressing under their respective head coach.

United are finding an identity

While last weekend’s 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion was a setback for Man Utd, there are positives to take from their performances so far.

The Red Devils’ work off the ball has been especially impressive.

Starting both matches with a strikerless 4-2-4-0 formation has helped them congest space far better than they managed during 2023/24, when United’s pressing game failed to make a consistent impact.

So far this season, Ten Hag’s men have regained possession inside the final third 16 times, more than any other  team in the league, with Marcus Rashford (four) and Amad (three) both making useful contributions.

United also rank second overall in the Premier Leaguefor possession won, with central midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro showing determination to produce regains, doing so 12 and 11 times respectively.

These numbers represent a major step forward from last season.

Man Utd's improving possession rate

If, as expected Man Utd opt for a "false nine" set-up once again, Liverpool’s central midfield trio will have to be sharp to move the ball through a crowded area of the pitch.

It took Liverpool a while to adjust to Ipswich Town’s hostile press at Portman Road on the opening weekend, and they can expect to face plenty more aggression on Sunday.

The key to success will be releasing their most advanced midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been drawn towards right-of-centre pockets this season from his No 10 position.

With Diogo Dalot marking Mohamed Salah, there will be an onus on Mainoo to use his athleticism to track the Hungarian’s runs onto that side.

If Szoboszlai can get on the ball in those areas under no pressure, he has the talent to release any of Liverpool’s front three with a piercing through-ball.

The same applies to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will also operate down that right side.

Between them, those two players have supplied five through-balls already.

A Liverpool trend to look out for

In their 2-0 home win over Brentford, Slot’s side produced one pattern of play on a repeated basis.

Liverpool regularly drew Brentford into one area before switching play, and were happy to overload their opponents by bringing Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai close to one another when building up inside their own half.

In all three of these examples featured below, this trio of Liverpool midfielders are in close proximity, before the ball was transferred to left-back Andy Robertson in plenty of space, who stepped in from the flank to receive those passes.

From that type of situation, Man Utd's right-back Noussair Mazraoui may end up having to deal with 2-v-1s against Robertson and Luis Diaz.

Taking care of the ball

In general, Liverpool’s possession football has been assured since Slot took over.

Liverpool registered their fourth-highest pass completion rate against Brentford and produced some lovely, angled passing moves, but they also made sure of not losing the ball with over-extravagant distribution.

Indeed, the 91.36 per cent passing accuracy just fell short of what they produced in Jurgen Klopp’s final match as manager in May against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

So, this more patient style is part of an evolving process rather than something revolutionary from Slot.

Liverpool's best pass-completion rates

Targeting the box

While Ten Hag will feel satisfied at some aspects of his side’s form, he will be concerned at their fragility defending aerial balls sent into their box.

From set-pieces and in open play, Fulham and Brighton both fashioned a string of quality chances from headers.

Joao Pedro bagged a late winner last weekend from a poor piece of defensive organisation that saw Man Utd players watch in unison, leaving the Brazilian free to nod home at the far post.

Joao Pedro's winner v Man Utd

And worryingly this was not an isolated incident, as United were let off from several other headed efforts.

No side have accumulated a higher Expected Goals Against (xGA) from headed shots faced, while Leicester City are the only side in the division to face more headers on goal.

Premier League sides most headed shots faced

In general play, look out for Diogo Jota attacking crosses put into the penalty area, while from corners or wide free-kicks, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will both fancy their chances of success against this United rearguard.

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