Ronaldo has lost his edge and should never, ever play Fred at No. 10 again—lessons from Manchester United's humiliation by Real Sociedad.
Erik ten Hag is learning on the job, and he received a tough lesson in his first European match as Manchester United's manager.
Ten Hag's recent resurgence may have lost some of its impetus after his team's home defeat to Real Sociedad placed him on the back foot in the Europa League.
While the Dutchman may blame a disputed penalty for United's inability to extend a four-game winning streak, he must equally accept responsibility for the 1-0 loss and bland performance.
The good news for the United boss is that he still has time to undo the harm caused by his team's dismal Group E debut, but only provided he avoids making the same mistakes twice.
The Fred Experiment
Ten Hag's desire to switch things up after playing a mostly unchanged lineup for the past four games was logical, but it was puzzling to see Fred play as the most advanced member of a midfield three.
Christian Eriksen's rest would not have come as a surprise given that he has started every game for United this year. Bruno Fernandes was the one who moved aside instead.
Even still, shifting Eriksen into the No. 10 position would have been the obvious solution to accommodate Fred. However, Ten Hag chose Fred to play behind Cristiano Ronaldo because, despite his relentless pushing, the Brazilian offered little in the way of creativity.
Even in the deeper position, Eriksen was the one who produced the sharper passes, and Ronaldo might have converted on two occasions as a result of his efforts.
The Ronaldo Debate
Ten Hag has been certain that his onslaught will allow the Portuguese legend to flourish.
The two frequently discuss Ronaldo's expectations and how he can guide United's forward line.
The 37-year-sincere old's efforts to modify his game have stood out in recent weeks. Here, he pressured Sociedad by running after her and forcing her into missteps.
However, is that really the best way to bring out the best in him?
He was unable to get any of his four shots on goal, and although playing mostly off the bench, he has played in seven games this season without scoring. One of the most lethal finishes in history seems to have lost his edge.
Is that a mental or physical issue?
It is unclear how his inability to leave Old Trafford, where he had hoped to join a Champions League team this summer, will affect him psychologically.
However, there is still the issue of whether a player his age can press to the level that Ten Hag expects while still maintaining their boxing acuity.
Taking every competition seriously
Any trophy as a first trophy will buy Ten Hag more time.
Five years have passed since United last won a trophy, which was the Europa League, and their supporters are clamoring for some kind of honor.
They are not afforded the option of choosing which competition they would prefer to win.
Although it was interesting that Ten Hag picked this night to make adjustments, it would be unfair to imply that he regarded the Europa League lightly.
Even so, he spent £80 million on Harry Maguire, £60 million on Casemiro, £52 million on Fred, and £80 million on Ronaldo, so there was more than enough talent to complete the task.
Perhaps having so many changes interfered with United's flow and unintentionally sent the incorrect message to his players.
Build on Casemiro-Erikson axis
One of the evening's more encouraging lessons was the quick understanding between Casemiro and Eriksen.
United now has two midfielders who can keep the ball, play it in tight places, and do something with it.
While Casemiro didn't exactly blow everyone away on his complete debut, there were positive hints from a guy with the potential to control the midfield.
He entered attacking spaces repeatedly and produced cutting passes that United didn't execute enough. He could change Ten Hag's team by working with Eriksen.
Eriksen, meanwhile, demonstrated how crucial he is to United already by significantly lessening their danger when he was substituted at halftime.
Relying on Rashford
Although Marcus Rashford has established himself as Ten Hag's top center forward option, Rashford may not view himself that way.
United lacked the middle-quarter vigor they displayed in their recent victories without him. Rashford's work rate appears effortless in comparison to Ronaldo's effort.
Although Rashford is an imperfect choice in an orthodox central role, United appear a lot more fluid with him than without. It will be interesting to see what happens when Anthony Martial is fully fit and blazing.
Identifying the undroppables
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 Martínez - harshly penalized 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 sharp comedown for the Brazilian after the heroics of his debut against Arsenal.
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