Manchester United must address problem position or Erik ten Hag might be forced to abandon grand plan

It took all of a week for the optimism built over the summer to be frittered away.

Manchester United have still made a better start to the season than they did a year ago but expectations are higher now and it's perplexing as to how the team is looking so disjointed going into Erik ten Hag's second season. This is meant to be the year the club kicks on and starts to make a challenge for the title. It's an inauspicious start if that remains the case.

The contrast between United and their two opponents is what has been most startling. Wolves were a team who swapped managers just five days before the start of the season yet they were better drilled and were unfortunate not to win let alone draw.

Tottenham are in a transition year with new manager Ange Postecoglou taking the helm and talisman Harry Kane departing. Yet, Spurs already looked like a side that understands their manager's new ideas, with their aggression and tempo leaving United in the dust. In both matches, it's United who have looked like the side that has just brought in a new coach.

United considering late move for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch

It seems Ten Hag is trying to utilise a new tactic and, just as there was in his two opening games last year, there have been teething problems. It isn't an issue with David de Gea's lack of ability in possession this time around as Andre Onana has solved that but rather with how his new midfield is setting up.

Ten Hag got his top target Mason Mount this summer and he wants the midfielder to play a proactive role and bring energy to his side. In the opening matches, Mount has been told to push high up the pitch, basically alongside Bruno Fernandes, to provide another attacking outlet and initiate the