United have been far too open at times this season, conceding four goals and facing 49 shots in just three Premier League games, two of which came at Old Trafford against Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
It has meant an unconvincing start despite securing two wins out of three and when Ten Hag was questioned on the gaps in his midfield recently, he placed the blame at the door of his attackers and defenders.
Ahead of today&aposs trip to the Emirates to face last season&aposs runners-up Arsenal, Ten Hag has expanded on what has been going wrong tactically and said the team had to become more compact to carry out successful counter-pressing.
“That is one of the reasons why I was not pleased with it because the front and back didn&apost do their jobs. We got stretched and we have to improve that. We have to be more compact otherwise you can never counter-press,” he said.
“I had the problem with how the defence moved and I had a problem with the responding in the defence transition of our offensive players.”
Asked what the issue was, Ten Hag insisted it was mental rather than tactical and urged his players to have the right attitude for every game.
