United's 'Killing' Instinct Missing, Says Ten Hag

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Post on Oct 25, 2024

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United's 'Killing' Instinct Missing, Says Ten Hag: Is It Time for a Mental Shift?

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his disappointment with his team's lack of "killing instinct," highlighting a key area for improvement as the Red Devils look to regain their Premier League dominance. While showcasing glimpses of brilliance, United's recent performances have been marred by a tendency to let opponents back into games, ultimately costing them valuable points.

The Issue: A Lack of Ruthlessness

Ten Hag has pinpointed the inability to put games to bed as the primary reason for dropped points. He stated, "We are creating chances, but we are not finishing them. We need to be more clinical, more ruthless. We need to have that killer instinct to win games." This statement encapsulates the team's current struggle: generating opportunities but failing to convert them into decisive victories.

Examples: Drawing Parallels to Recent Games

The lack of a killer instinct has been evident in recent matches:

• Draw against Crystal Palace: United dominated possession and created several clear-cut opportunities but only managed to secure a 1-1 draw.
• Narrow win against Wolves: A late goal from Marcus Rashford salvaged a 1-0 victory, but the performance lacked the decisive edge that would have secured a more comfortable win.

The Solution: Mental Toughness and Strategic Shifts

To address this issue, Ten Hag has called for a mental shift within the team. He believes the players need to develop a stronger belief in their ability to win and to embrace the pressure of decisive moments. "We need to be mentally tougher, more focused," he said.

Strategies to Enhance the "Killing Instinct":

1. Sharper Finishing: Intensified training sessions focused on goal-scoring and converting chances into goals.
2. Clinical Decision-Making: Emphasis on making the right decisions in the final third, prioritizing decisive passes and intelligent shooting choices.
3. Maintaining Pressure: Encouraging relentless pressure on opposing defenses, forcing mistakes and creating more scoring opportunities.

A Long-Term Project: Building a Winning Mentality

Ten Hag recognizes that building a winning mentality is a long-term project. It requires patience, hard work, and a willingness to adapt. However, he is confident that with the right approach and a continued commitment from his players, United can overcome this hurdle and return to their winning ways.

Conclusion: United's lack of a killer instinct is a significant issue that requires immediate attention. Ten Hag's focus on mental toughness and tactical adjustments is a crucial step towards restoring the team's winning mentality. As the season progresses, we will see if these changes yield the desired results and whether United can truly reclaim their position at the top of the Premier League table.