Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has pointed to lack of stable defensive structure and midfield balance as the reason behind the team’s struggles this season.

United have struggled for form and fitness this season,  as results have been poor. Injuries to key players such as Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have distorted team balance.

When asked if he feels that Man United have lacked a proper midfield shape this season, Erik ten Hag said: “Of course every time we have to change the back line.

“If you look back to last year we had a very good back four and so consistent, with Casemiro in front all the time we controlled the ball.

“This season every time we have had to swap the back four and then the routines go away and the midfield opens up, and we struggle to get the right balance.

“We have seen games this season where we have not had good possession and we lose control in midfield. But, I am sure when we get the routines back in the back four it gives the team a foundation to play off.”