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Defeat at home to Real Sociedad has immediately put Ten Hag on the back foot in the Europa League and potentially taken the momentum out of the recent resurgence he's overseen. While the Dutchman <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/explained-why-didn-t-var-overturn-controversial-man-utd-handball-/blta90aea442f421743" target="_blank">could point to a contentious penalty</a> as the reason for United’s failure to add to a four-game winning run, he will also have to take his own share of the blame for the 1-0 defeat and blunt performance.The good news for the United manager is that there is time to repair the damage from a losing start in Group E - but not if he repeats the mistakes that cost him on the night.<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Ronaldo's lost his edge & never, ever play Fred at No.10 again - Lessons learned from Man Utd's Real Sociedad humbling

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It was understandable that Ten Hag would want to freshen up after naming a largely-unchanged team for the previous four games - but the decision to deploy Fred as the most advanced of a midfield three was bemusing. There would have been little surprise if Christian Eriksen had been rested after being an ever-present in United’s starting line-up this season. Instead, it was Bruno Fernandes who made way. Even still, the natural way to accommodate Fred would have been to move Eriksen into the No.10 role. However, Ten Hag opted for Fred to play behind Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Brazilian offering little creativity despite his diligent pressing.Even in the deeper role, it was Eriksen who provided the more incisive balls and twice might have seen his efforts converted by Ronaldo.

The Fred experiment

Ten Hag has been adamant the Portuguese legend can thrive in his attack. The pair have spoken repeatedly about what is wanted from Ronaldo and how he can lead United’s forward line. What has been notable in recent weeks is the 37-year-old has made genuine attempts to adapt his game. Here he pressed Sociedad, chasing into corners to try to force errors. But is that really the way to get the best out of him?From four shots, he managed to register none on target and in seven games - albeit mainly from the bench - he is yet to score this season. One of the deadliest finishers of all time, appears to have lost his edge. Is that psychological or physical?He wanted a move to a Champions League club this summer and it remains to be seen how his failure to secure an exit from Old Trafford will impact him mentally. But there is also the question of whether a player of his age can press to the standard Ten Hag demands and still retain their sharpness in the box.

The Ronaldo debate

Getting a first trophy - any trophy - will buy Ten Hag more time. It is now five years since United last picked up silverware - as it happens, the Europa League - and their supporters are desperate for glory of any description. They do not have the luxury of picking and choosing which competition they would most like to triumph in. It would be a step too far to suggest Ten Hag took the Europa League lightly, though it was notable that he chose this night to make changes. Even still, he brought in £80million Harry Maguire, £60million Casemiro, £52million Fred and Ronaldo - so there was more than enough quality to get the job done. Perhaps so many changes disrupted United’s fluidity, while also unconsciously sending out the wrong message to his players.

Taking every competition seriously

The instant understanding between Casemiro and Eriksen was one of the more positive takeaways from the night.United now have two midfielders who can retain possession, take the ball in tight spaces and use it intelligently. There were no fireworks from Casemiro on his full debut, but there were encouraging signs from a player who has the ability to dominate midfield. Repeatedly he advanced into attacking areas and produced cutting passes that United didn’t make enough of. Alongside Eriksen, he could transform Ten Hag’s team. Meanwhile, Eriksen proved just how pivotal he is to United already, with their threat severely dampened when he went off at half time.

Build on Casemiro-Eriksen axis

He might not see himself as a natural centre forward - but Marcus Rashford has made himself the preferred option in that position for Ten Hag. In his absence, United lacked the energy they have had through the middle in their recent wins. Ronaldo tried, but Rashford’s work-rate looks effortless in comparison. It will be fascinating to see what happens when Anthony Martial is fully fit and firing - but however imperfect an option Rashford is in an orthodox central role, United look a lot more fluid with him than without.

Relying on Rashford

In only a few weeks, it is becoming clear which players will be key for Ten Hag. Eriksen, without doubt, while Fernandes’ impact when coming on at half time - almost immediately setting up a scoring chance for Ronaldo - is evidence of his game-changing qualities. Lisandro Martinez - harshly penalised when conceding the match-winning penalty - embodies the spirit of Ten Hag’s team, while Tyrell Malacia shares the Argentine’s fighting qualities. Casemiro will be pivotal as an anchor, while Rashford has been the most consistent feature of a forward line that needs more fluidity. The hope is that Antony will provide that - although Thursday represented a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ten-hag-shows-poor-antony-mercy-manchester-united-winners-losers-ratings-real-sociedad/blt8caf3a5265e0e7bc" target="_blank">sharp comedown for the Brazilian</a> after the heroics of his debut against Arsenal.

Identifying the undroppables

Ronaldo's lost his edge & never, ever play Fred at No.10 again - Lessons learned from Man Utd's Real Sociedad humbling | Goal.com Uganda

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will have learned a lot from defeat to Real Sociedad.

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