'That's how we want to play' - Erik ten Hag makes point when picking favourite Man United goal

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reiterated how he wants his team to play, pointing towards a possession-based style.

United, who face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday evening, have attracted a wealth of criticism this season for their style of play. For the most part, they have been erratic and too expansive, leaving gaping holes between their defensive line and midfield.

They have sieved too many goals in recent months, lacking the control that Ten Hag has been so desperate for throughout his United tenure. Last season, via Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, United thought they had found it, but that turned out to be a short-term fix.

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Ten Hag, from the outset of his reign, has often banged the drum about wanting to turn United into a possession-based team, capable of controlling matches for 90 minutes. It was why he was so desperate to land Frenkie de Jong in the summer of 2022, envisioning the Dutchman as United's midfield orchestrator.

Last season, the Reds put together some wonderful passing moves that led to goals, with Antony's debut goal against Arsenal, Luke Shaw's against Bournemouth and Marcus Rashford's against Crystal Palace, all of which were netted at Old Trafford, ranking among their best. This season, however, those types of goals have not been as forthcoming.

However, United did produce a wonderful team move that led to their third goal in the 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in the Champions League in November. Despite it featuring a catalogue of passes, five were decisive in moving United quickly up the