After their disastrous defeat to Fulham last weekend, Manchester United are now faced with the daunting prospect of a trip to the Etihad.

Erik ten Hag's side were beaten 6-3 in this fixture last season and many are predicting another heavy loss this time around.

With Manchester City — and in particular Erling Haaland — in ominous form, United will need to find a way of subduing one of Europe's most potent attacks.

We consider how Ten Hag might approach the game tactically as the Red Devils look to pull off a surprise result.

Plug the gaps

One of the major criticisms of Ten Hag has been his apparent inability to instil a defined tactical identity at United.

Brought in with a reputation as a possession-based coach, his side have instead continued to be more effective in transitions and on the counter-attack.

But a vulnerable backline has been an issue throughout the Dutchman's tenure.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: "People say, 'There are no patterns of play at Manchester United, how do they play and what's the philosophy?' 

"I'll tell you why there are no patterns of play and why they get done on the counter-attack, the positions they find themselves in.

"There's a massive problem for Manchester United when they're on the ball — how many times do you see players running back 40 yards towards goal."

The vast gaps that teams are often able to exploit will need to be plugged at the Etihad.

Play to your strengths

Though United have been chastised for regularly utilising a low block and playing like underdogs despite their expensively-assembled squad, that may well be the best approach against City.

Sitting deep and looking to frustrate the champions is a legitimate strategy for any team.

Everton and Brentford both had some degree of success in recent weeks by adopting an ultra-defensive approach, even if both eventually succumbed to defeat.

United have proven many times that the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are especially effective in a counter-attacking team.

The absence of Rasmus Hojlund — one of the Premier League's form players in 2024 — will be a big blow.

But the Red Devils still have enough quality to concern a City side that are certainly not invulnerable defensively.

Tighten up

Before thinking about causing City problems, Ten Hag's side will need to address their defensive shortcomings.

Only four Premier League teams — West Ham, Burnley, Luton and Sheffield United — had conceded more shots from inside the box than the Red Devils (272) prior to this weekend.

They also have an alarming expected goals against of 47.91 — the sixth-worst in the division going into Matchday 27 — despite having conceded only 36 times.

Against a City side that average 14.04 chances created per 90 minutes, United could be in for a long afternoon.

But with a focus on off-the-ball organisation and fast counter-attacks, there will be hope for an unexpected outcome.