Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hinted at a possible tactical shift with the imminent return of striker Rasmus Hojlund. After a season plagued by injuries, Hojlund’s recovery brings a much-needed spark of hope for the struggling Red Devils, who have faced challenges in finding form and consistency.
One exciting prospect is the idea of pairing Hojlund with young striker Joshua Zirkzee, a move that could shake up United’s typical lineup ahead of their match against Crystal Palace. Ten Hag mentioned in an interview with Sky Sports that the club acquired two young strikers who complement each other, suggesting they could rotate or play together depending on the game situation.
This idea has fans buzzing about the potential for a two-striker formation, which could inject fresh energy into the team’s attack.
However, transitioning to a system with two forwards isn’t without its complications. A 4-4-2 formation might not mesh well with the current midfield and wing players, particularly Bruno Fernandes, who could be pushed deeper or moved wide. Likewise, key wingers like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho might find their roles diminished in a 3-5-2 setup.
That said, having the option to deploy both Hojlund and Zirkzee could give United an essential new attacking dimension, addressing a glaring need in their gameplay. The flexibility to switch formations could prove crucial, especially in high-pressure situations, allowing Ten Hag to tailor his strategy based on the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
