Ten Hag: Defensive changes have been a big problem
Erik ten Hag believes that regular enforced changes to the back four are the biggest factor behind Manchester United's inconsistency so far this season.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's climactic Champions League group-stage game against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford (20:00 GMT), the boss was repeatedly asked to explain the topsy-turvy nature of the Reds' form in 2023/24.
The discussion followed another complicated few days for the squad, in which an excellent 2-1 win over Chelsea was overshadowed by a subsequent 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
Since the start of the campaign, we've recorded 11 wins and 11 defeats – a big contrast to Ten Hag's first season, which saw only 12 defeats from 62 games. According to the manager, injuries and illnesses in the defensive area have had a significant effect.
Press conference: United v Bayern Munich Video
Press conference: United v Bayern Munich
Press conference | Erik ten Hag and Scott McTominay discuss consistency, mentality and more ahead of Bayern Munich...
"[Last year], we had a regular team, with not so many changes, especially in our backline," Erik began.
"We had a long time [with] a regular formation and that helps you. Then you get the routines in. So we have to wait for that [but] until that moment, we have to deal with it, as every team has to deal with it. It's not only us.
"But I'm sure when we get back to a regular base, then we will play better. You have a better opportunity to win games and a better opportunity of a chance that you are consistent."
A series of negative results inevitably invites questions around morale and the collective mentality, but Ten Hag believes disruptions to team selection have had a significant knock-on effect when it comes to performances and, of course, confidence.
"I think first of all, yeah, it's personnel [rather than mentality]," he explained. "But I'm aware that's my job that we have to be really tough, if you have to do it [perform well] every third day.
"But we are not the only team [with this problem]. I see the inconsistency from other teams during this period in the Premier League. Players are not robots. But the team who can deal the best with it, they will go most far."
Ten Hag's team news for Bayern tie
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Three of United's most-used defenders in 2023/24 have not featured as prominently this season.
Luke Shaw missed several months, while Lisandro Martinez is not expected to feature again until after Christmas. Raphael Varane has not started since the home win over FC Copenhagen in this competition.
Luke Shaw missed several months, while Lisandro Martinez is not expected to feature again until after Christmas. Raphael Varane has not started since the home win over FC Copenhagen in this competition.
The trio made a combined 126 appearances last term, but have managed just 25 between them so far this season.
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