Erik ten Hag could finally unleash perfect Manchester United midfield

Nothing has gone to plan for Manchester United on or off the pitch this season. Between mounting injury problems, lingering question marks around the proposed takeover and scrutiny when it comes to big-money signings, Erik ten Hag and the backroom staff have not exactly been spared, either, but there are mitigating circumstances for the United manager to hide behind.

Under his watch, the squad have made strides forward despite an underwhelming start to the campaign. Yet with three defeats coming in the Premier League already, there is pressure on their next few results.

United will renew the immense European rivalry with German heavyweights Bayern Munich on Wednesday night (8pm) and they head to the Allianz Arena as underdogs. However, that mentality is not in the United DNA and the mere suggestion this is a free hit for Ten Hag and his players is laughable.

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Their form is no laughing matter and the squad - missing key members through injury or not - must start to stand up and be counted to drag United through this period. Win, lose or draw, an improved performance is required to kick-start their charge on the continent and domestically, as well.

Although neither has jetted out to Bavaria with the 21-man squad, returns to training for Sofyan Amrabat and the club's other midfield recruit this summer, Mason Mount, come as a huge double boost. They have only taken their first steps on the road to recovery, but a comeback to matchday involvement should not be far away.

Mount was made a scapegoat, in some circles, after being unable to make a mark during his first two appearances for United