Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United playing style and tactics after Jamie Carragher criticism

Erik ten Hag has called on his Manchester United players to be on the front foot and aggressive when out of possession next season.

The manager was heavily criticised for showing a lack of identity in his tactical set-up last term, with United regularly leaking shots on goal and struggling to find scoring consistency. Ten Hag engaged in a public argument with analyst Jamie Carragher over his comments following a defeat to Fulham.

"Some analysts are very objective in their comments, very good advice, some are very subjective," said Ten Hag in February. "Jamie Carragher, from the first moment on, has criticised and now he wants to make his point."

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Carragher had said on Sky Sports that United 'defend like a team I’ve never seen before', adding: "They’re a team who like to press high with a deep block - it’s impossible."

United have conceded three shots on target in their last two friendlies games against Real Betis and Arsenal, albeit have faced - and fielded - heavily rotated sides. They will have to deal without new £59m summer recruit Leny Yoro in defence until October after the centre-back fractured his metatarsal against the Gunners.

His absence could affect transfer plans with just over a month to go until deadline day, but whoever is signed, Ten Hag will give them clear tactical instructions. Speaking after the overnight 3-2 friendly win over Real Betis in California, the United boss unpacked his demands when it comes to pressing off the ball.

"What we want to achieve is we want to be very proactive and very aggressive and it doesn't