Talking Tactics: Ten Hag faces tough task to improve Man Utd's fortunes![Copy icon](/ls-web-assets/svgs/common/link-471b4.svg)
![LiveScore logo](/ls-web-assets/images/icon_ls_circle-ce144.webp)
![Erik ten Hag's Manchester United have struggled in the opening weeks of the 2023-24 season](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/21092023/53660246-512b-4681-ae14-186dcd25eaf9.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Things are going from bad to worse at Manchester United.
Wednesday night's 4-3 loss at Bayern Munich in the Champions League made it three successive defeats in all competitions for the Red Devils, who have only won twice from six attempts.
With off-the-pitch issues leading to some unwanted headlines, Erik ten Hag has a challenge on his hands to turn things around.
Ahead of tonight's game against Burnley, we take a look at the tactical tweaks United could make as they target a much-needed upturn in form.
Tighten up
The first and most pressing issue Ten Hag must address is his team's porous backline.
United have conceded 10 goals in five Premier League games so far, with only Wolves (11) and Burnley (12) letting in more.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was criticised for his mistake in the defeat at Bayern, has faced 77 shots in the league at an average of 15.4 per game.
An expected goals conceded tally of 9.74 is a concern — and that trend continued in the Champions League, as United were repeatedly cut open at the Allianz Arena.
![Erik ten Hag has struggled to get his team going so far this season](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/21092023/dfb8211c-4fe4-4f76-9103-ebcf0160073f.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Amrabat addition
The addition of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina could go some way to improving United out of possession.
His ball-winning ability will give the defence greater protection and should mean there is a more balanced look to the midfield.
Amrabat ranked 22nd in Serie A last season for possessions won in the middle third of the pitch per 90 minutes (3.91).
He also ranked 17th for passes completed per 90 (58.56), with an impressive accuracy of 89.81%. The Morocco international should therefore help Ten Hag transition to a more possession-based style of play.
Currently out with an injury, Amrabat has yet to feature for United but is expected to return to action in the near future.
![Sofyan Amrabat could offer a new dynamic in Manchester United's midfield](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/21092023/65c79e14-b2aa-4aa4-95d2-2062d291d188.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Tactical consistency
Finding a system that gets the best out of his players will be a priority for Ten Hag.
He has been forced to regularly change things so far this season, both in terms of personnel and the team's shape.
United utilised a midfield diamond against Brighton, which allowed the visitors to repeatedly exploit the space in wide areas.
Tactical consistency and a defined way of playing is, as the Seagulls have proved, often the key ingredient for success.
![Manchester United were cut open far too often by Brighton](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/21092023/9b2a56f2-0b40-4495-9de0-ad370786252c.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Juggling act
Ten Hag can only work with the players at his disposal and his squad is certainly filled with expensive talent.
But injuries and off-field problems have left United short in certain areas, as their manager has acknowledged.
He said: "One thing is true, from the start of last season I almost never started with the best starting XI, it was always something like an injury.
"But you have to deal with it and we always get the results, apart from the period we are in now. It's a concern but that's why we constructed the squad with depth, so we can deal with it. The squad can deal with it."
As players move closer to full fitness ahead of tonight's trip to Turf Moor, Ten Hag will hope he can begin to field his best XI and find some much-needed stability.