United View: Reds record their biggest win of the ten Hag era

After a long International Break for Manchester United, the Reds returned to winning ways against Southampton and Barnsley.

Both of these were seen as must-win following the 3-0 defeat against Liverpool, as Erik ten Hag looks to establish some stability in his team.

Things could have gone much differently, as for the opening 30 minutes on Saturday, the Saints caused all sorts of problems for United, but the Reds survived a potential banana peel in the early kick-off following the players returning from International Duty.

The momentum swung in United’s favour after Cameron Archer’s penalty was saved by Andre Onana. Two minutes later, Matthijs de Ligt headed home his first United goal in his second appearance and six minutes later Marcus Rashford’s smart finish doubled the lead.

Rashford and the team grew in confidence after the goal, with a routine second half performance, topped off by a late finish from Alejandro Garnacho to significantly improve the mood around the club.

There are still problems that need to be addressed in midfield, particularly when the team is out of possession. This could be alleviated by the introduction of Manuel Ugarte, who came on from the bench at St. Marys with Christian Eriksen being preferred to the Uruguayan and Casemiro.

Despite this, United do look to be more of a threat in front of goal, with only Liverpool and Manchester City having a better xG (expected goals) this season. Joshua Zirkzee, who could have scored a few himself on Saturday, has been a welcome inclusion with his ability to link the forward players together.

Following the game on Saturday, Erik ten Hag said, “You see in the games, from the community Shield on, this team is growing but still needs time, we have to build this team but I’m sure we will get there.”

They followed this with an entertaining 7-0 win against League One opposition Barnsley, United’s biggest win under Erik ten Hag. Goals from Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Christian Eriksen rounded off an empathic night at Old Trafford.

While it’s a game United should be winning; the hefty scoreline could be something the team builds off of and gives some confidence to the frontline that has lacked a clinical edge at times this season.

The manager will hope that the mixed results in United’s first four games will just be a sign of a new team trying to find its feet, as they now have a run of difficult games but ones that the Reds are more than capable of getting a result in.

A trip to Crystal Palace awaits United on Saturday. The Reds were battered 4-0 in their last trip to Selhurst Park, albeit the squad will be much different from the one that match back in May.

If United are to qualify for the top four, this is exactly the type of fixture they need to be winning, especially with more difficult fixtures with Spurs and Villa in the upcoming weeks.

What team Erik ten Hag picks for that game is uncertain, but it will be interesting to see who he opts for, whether that be to stick with Christian Eriksen, give Manuel Ugarte his first Premier League start or offer Casemiro a shot at redemption.

The Reds then begin their Europa League campaign against FC Twente in the competition's new format. United will play eight games (four home and four away) whereby the top eight teams out of the 36 will receive a bye into the Round of 16, whereas those between ninth and 24th will play in an additional knockout round.