When Manchester United play their rivals from their hometown in the FA Cup final, according to Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville, they will swarm the midfield.
The former England international claims that Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, was too attack-minded in his selection decisions during the 4-1 loss to Manchester City, and ten Hag won’t make the same error:
“I just think that if we set up in such a way, I’m hoping that we start the game with Bruno Fernandes on the right and that we stiffen up the midfield with Scott McTominay [holding], Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, or Marcel Sabitzer. We also play a little bit more deliberately this time. The incorrect move was to attack with three midfielders like Arsenal did. We must be slightly more [defensive]. Erik ten Hag dislikes doing this because he prefers to control and dominate the ball. ”
The goal of the game, as Neville points out, will be to keep the ball in your possession for as long as possible in the cup final. To achieve this, you’ll need players who can not only gain possession but are also technically gifted enough to make sure they don’t give it away carelessly.
Of course, that is easier said than done when facing City. Even in January, when Ten Hag’s team defeated the Premier League champions at Old Trafford, they only had 29 percent of the ball.
Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Fred made up the midfield on that particular day; however, Neville thinks Marcel Sabitzer or Scott McTominay might be added for the cup final on June 3.
