Manchester United must embrace the tactic they are trying to ditch

It says a lot about Manchester United's season so far that they have made almost every match look a lot harder than it should be. It also says a lot that once again, they still managed to find a way to win last night.

United supporters will hope their side has finally turned a corner after three wins on the bounce, all of which involved an element of late drama and lengthy spells in which they were second best. They should celebrate the fact that they have revived a knack of winning ugly and grinding out results by a single goal, but there must also be an improvement with much tougher-looking tests on the horizon.

United's acid test will come this weekend when they host Man City in the first Manchester derby of the season. The eyes of the world will be watching, and there will be no room for excuses should they fail to live up to expectations on the day.

PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire and Onana good vs Copenhagen

TAKEOVER: Scholes responds to suggestion Ratcliffe could axe Ten Hag

What has perhaps been most alarming for supporters so far this season has not necessarily been their results, but the actual manner of their performances and how little control this team still has on matches. Last season was always seen as a work in progress, and there was an expectation that United would look even better during this one after another summer working under Erik ten Hag. Yet they haven't been refined; they have regressed.

United's unfortunate injury situation has certainly been a contributing factor, but it can't be used as the main excuse. Even a second-string side should be in control of matches against some of the lesser opponents they have faced.

Ten Hag's dream was for United to dominate matches and soak up lots of possession.