Things are looking good for Erik ten Hag so far. The new Manchester United boss has taken charge of three friendlies, with his team scoring a total of 11 goals while conceding just two at the opposite end.
The 52 year-old will be pleased, but he isn't getting carried away. On a number of occasions, Ten Hag has reiterated that his players have to improve across several different departments.
With every passing game, the Red Devils seem to be getting better. They are gradually adopting the methods of their new head coach, with one specific development clear to see against Crystal Palace recently.
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Ten Hag has favoured 4-2-3-1 in pre-season, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga operating on the flanks.
All of those players are particularly capable when it comes to one-on-one battles with defenders. They are quick, good on the dribble and pose a threat in behind.
Ten Hag seems intent on maximising those qualities by switching the play as often as possible based on early evidence, with Harry Maguire regularly attempting passes of that nature against Patrick Vieira's outift on Tuesday.
Pictured below is Maguire's passing network from the bout, with a number of long passes made in the direction of the left side of the field.
It is a subtle tactic that adds unpredictability to how United build-up moves from the back, and it is used on a regular basis by both Manchester City and Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola is known for trying to isolate Riyad Mahrez with opposing defenders because of his ability to beat his man, with Aymeric Laporte often acting as the player to pass the ball in his direction from deeper areas.
At Anfield, Virgil van Dijk is the man to make those passes, usually in the direction of Mohamed Salah who is known for his pace and trickery in tight spaces. Trent Alexander-Arnold also attempts his fair share in the direction of Andy Robertson and Luis Diaz.
Considering the perks held by the likes of Sancho, Rashford and Elanga in particular, it makes total sense for Ten Hag to present them with one-on-one situations as often as possible.
United are a work in progress at the moment. Ten Hag will not get carried away by early form but already, defined patterns of play are becoming clear to see.
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