Some loan players that could shine under Ten Hag

When a new manager comes into a club, one of the first things people look to is what players they can bring into the club to help them straight away. So with all the articles out there on transfers and transfer targets, I’ve decided to do an article on some current Manchester United loan players that I feel Erik Ten Hag can both utilise and improve. I’m going to leave out Anthony Martial as I feel like he no longer wants to be part of the Manchester United project, however, if he’s committed he does very much suit Erik Ten Hag. There are other more obvious inclusions like Amad Diallo and possibly Axel Tuanzebe. Both are very talented players, but they need regular football to show their skills and prove themselves. I guarantee Ten Hag will like both players, but in this article I’m focusing on the outsiders. James Garner is a player I’ve mentioned before and a player I believe is capable of playing a big part in the new season for Erik Ten Hag. But I feel all these are quite obvious shouts and will suit Ten Hag, so in this article, I’m going to focus on some outsiders and names that aren’t getting as much coverage. I do feel I should mention Tuanzebe again though, as I feel he’s being written off far too early. He’s quick, strong and suits Ten Hag. I hope he gets a chance in the future.

Facundo Pellistri:

An outsider. Facundo Pellistri hasn’t featured all that much for his loan side Alaves over the last couple of seasons. However, I’ve seen quite a bit of Pellistri and have seen a player of interest. He’s calm on the ball, loves taking people on, a good crosser of the ball. He’s quite raw in terms of putting his impressive skills and attributes into end product. However his intricate style and ability to play a variety of roles would suit Ten Hag and could be improved under the dutchman.

Andreas Pereira:

Andreas Pereira has already made 75 appearances for the Red Devils, and has been largely underwhelming for a lot of those. However the Belgium-born Brazilian has always possessed talent and attributes which make him stand out. He’s a good passer of the ball, he works hard, likes to link-up with teammates. He always wants the ball. I’ve seen Pereira play a variety of roles. I’ve seen him play up front, out-wide on both sides, at no.10 and in a deeper role (one of the two in a midfield pivot). I believe Pereira struggles playing in counterattacking systems. Under Solskjaer, Pereira would often have to make decisions as United attacked with pace, which I believe didn’t suit him. I believe Pereira is at his best when he has time on the ball, which he would get more of playing in an Erik Ten Hag system (which is possession based). Pereira can pick a pass, dribble well, shoot from distance and works hard. I believe if he works on his defensive discipline, he could work really well in a midfield-two. I thought he performed well in that position during United’s last pre-season. I believe Pereira suits Erik Ten Hag and at the very least can compete for a place in the team.

Ethan Laird:

Laird has always been highly-rated. The attack-minded right-back has had a mixed season out on loan. The first-half of the season went really well, putting in eye-catching displays at Swansea, becoming a fan favourite at the Welsh club. However in the January window, Laird made the move to Premier League pushing A.F.C Bournemouth. A variety of factors have restricted Laird’s appearances and impact in the second-half of the season, however he can be happy as the Cherries earnt promotion to the Premier League. Laird is a real talent. He’s quick, a good dribbler, good crosser and possesses great composure. He suits everything the Ten Hag demands from his fullbacks, and I can see him, if not this upcoming season, in the future gaining a place in Ten Hag’s team.

Teden Mengi:
Strong, quick, composed and a leader. Teden Mengi has all the attributes to succeed as a centre-back in the modern game. He’s good on the ball and has good composure, however his main focus is defending. He seems like one of those players who seriously loves defending and does so with aggression, like a Nemanja Vidic style player. He’s comfortable defending out-wide, and has shown this by his ability to play full-back on either side, impressing at left-back in a cameo appearance against Young Boys in December of last year in the Champions League. Perhaps it’s more realistic to expect further loan moves for Teden Mengi before gaining a place in Ten Hag’s team, but he’s a really exciting prospect with a bright future.

Brandon Williams:

A local lad who wears his heart on his sleeve. Williams has been written off by many fans within the fan-base, however I feel there is still a player there. I’ve seen Williams live in person and it’s a myth he’s some passion merchant who isn’t actually that good. He can dribble, carry the ball well, possess great pace and is excellent at tackling. Whether his future is at right-back or left-back, I don’t know. He clearly loves the club and has good qualities both personality and ability wise. I also think having players with a good understanding of Manchester United and what it means to play for the club is important during this transitional phase for Manchester United. Williams has Premier League experience with both United and Norwich and has already made fifty appearances for Manchester United. With Ten Hag I believe he’ll improve and can have a future at Manchester United.

Jack

Please note: The football articles that feature on this site are being written by Jack Dixon as part of his work experience. He is a teenager and looking for work experience within the football industry. He is currently taking his A-levels exams.