Silvestre discusses the midfield solutions and issues that continue to plague Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. Silvestre was probed about the midfield issues that have plagued Erik ten Hag’s side this season so far and will probably continue to do so. They also discussed United’s reported interest in Newcastle and Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes. 

Ten Hag needs more more time suggests former United star 

One of the biggest issues with the Manchester United midfielder this season has been the midfield area. The team on a game to game basis struggles to exert control in the area of the pitch which can decide the fate of said match. The other issue with Erik ten Hag’s current set up is the amount of space his side affords the opposition which has cost his side goals. It’s seemingly an intentional ploy and set up from ten Hag to make the most of his attacking players strengths. However, Silvestre argues the issues go far and beyond just the midfield. He points towards the whole team needing to help solve such issues and argues ten Hag needs more time to create a side that is both balanced and able to exact control on games. 

“When you talk about control it’s about the entire team.” 

“The midfield players get the most touches and they have the most influence but it’s about the entire starting eleven.” 

“For ten Hag to get United to where they need to be it will require more time for the players to get that balance and control.”

“It takes time.” 

Ten Hag needs to develop United into a well rounded team 

Whilst the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City have excelled at controlling all facets of the game with a dominant, possession based style. Liverpool have mastered the high octane, direct attacking football style. Meanwhile, with United you don’t quite know what to expect from them on a game to game basis but their recent games against Liverpool and Chelsea have shown the results can go either way. Silvestre argues United can’t afford to focus on honing one approach despite the criticism of their at times chaotic style of play. 

“You need to excel at all aspects of the game.” 

“Control of the game for the sake of it is nothing without the goals.” 

“Possession based football without the finishing and the touch is nothing. You have to create space and overloads across the pitch.”

“You need to be good in transition, you need to break low block teams as well. It’s a mix of everything. You need numerous weapons otherwise teams will find it easy to defend against you.” 

Guimaraes, Fernandes and Mainoo midfield trio suggested to ten Hag

Newcastle United and Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a move away from Tyneside. It had been suggested that Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Guimaraes, but PSG are believed to be at the front of the queue for his services. Silvestre is a huge fan of the midfielder and says he would be interested in seeing a midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. 

“Guimaraes is a very good player. I’ve known him since he was in Brazil. Then he spent time at Lyon and he’s very good.”

“He’s dynamic, strong, good on the ball, he’s aggressive and suits the Premier League style of play. He’s got an eye for goal from time to time.” 

“He’s in the Brazil national team and he’s at a good age. I’m sure there will be a lot of teams looking if Newcastle were interested in selling.”

“Guimaraes, Fernandes and Mainoo could be a good combination. I’ve no doubt about that. I would question who the holding midfielder would be. It wouldn’t be Fernandes. 

“Guimaraes likes to play as a box to box. Kobbie could become a deep lying midfielder so that would be a good trio.” 

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