Erik ten Hag’s big-game Manchester United tactic could be put to the test against Bayern Munich as Maguire set to start,key player to be benched
Manchester United are back in the Champions League and kick off their group stage campaign at Bayern Munich on Wednesday – talk about a baptism of fire.
The German champions have taken 10 points from their opening four Bundesliga matches and, as with every season, come into the competition among the favourites. Thomas Tuchel already has two Champions League finals under his belt – winning once – and can call on long-time United target Harry Kane.
The former Tottenham striker has hit the ground running with four goals in as many league games but United would be foolish to focus solely on him. Bayern hold a threat in just about every position, and left-back Alphonso Davies typifies their relentless attacking nature.
The Canadian international already has three assists in the Bundesliga and, under Tuchel, plays virtually as a left-winger. He is blessed with devastating pace and will be a major point of focus for United.
Erik ten Hag made a habit last season of moving Bruno Fernandes out to the right in big games. The decision allowed one of Fred or Scott McTominay to support Casemiro but it had an added bonus, with the Portuguese midfielder a constant pest against attacking left-backs.
Fernandes most notably took on the role in January’s 2-1 win at home to Manchester City, coming up against his compatriot Joao Cancelo and stifling the Blues defender. But he also did the same against Aston Villa in April, managing Alex Moreno out of the game and scoring the only goal of a 1-0 win.
“He can play several roles, from that perspective, you need players like Bruno to be successful,” Ten Hag said after that win. “Against Everton he can play from a deeper role, from the side he’s a very good presser, he understands the moment when to close down, when to put an opponent into trouble.
“He knows when to track back and close passing lines, close opponents, even if our press gets beat he tracks back, he can play in between lines and then get behind lines. He has so many skills it’s a pleasure to work with players like him.”
Ideally, Ten Hag would keep Fernandes in a central role and start Mason Mount on the right come Wednesday, but while the latter might be fit to feature, starting could be a touch too far. He has been absent since the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham in August and was not fit enough to be involved in the matchday squad against Brighton yesterday.
Facundo Pellistri was involved on Saturday but trusting him against one of the world’s most attacking full-backs would be a big ask. The same would be true of moving Alejandro Garnacho across to the left.
Having Fernandes out on the right is not an ideal scenario, but offers more defensive solidity while keeping his creativity. Against a full-back like Davies, his tracking back and pressing won’t grab the headlines but it will play a major factor in United coming away from the Allianz Arena with anything.
