Ten Hag Ditches Back Four Against Leverkusen, Follows Xabi Alonso’s Blueprint

In a bold tactical shift, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag abandoned his traditional back-four setup in favor of a three-man defense during a pre-season clash against Bayer Leverkusen. This unexpected move raised eyebrows, especially as it closely mirrored the formation favored by Leverkusen’s own Xabi Alonso—a system that turned the German club into one of Europe’s most efficient sides last season.

Tactical Change: A 3-4-2-1 Overhaul

Instead of the usual 4-2-3-1, Ten Hag lined United up in a 3-4-2-1, with Lisandro Martínez, Raphael Varane, and Diogo Dalot forming the defensive trio. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka operated as wing-backs, providing width in both defense and attack. This approach aimed to control the midfield while also protecting the central defenders against Leverkusen’s dynamic attacking movement.

The Dutch manager has previously been wedded to a structured back four, emphasizing positional play and control. But Leverkusen’s success under Xabi Alonso, especially in dominating transitions and using inverted wing-backs, seems to have influenced Ten Hag to experiment with a more fluid system.

Following Alonso’s Blueprint?

Xabi Alonso's tactical innovations at Leverkusen last season turned heads. His use of a back three with aggressive wing-backs and midfielders who float between lines disrupted opponents across Bundesliga and European competitions. Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic run and aggressive press made them a case study for modern football tactics.

By adopting this blueprint, Ten Hag may be acknowledging a need to evolve. Manchester United struggled with defensive solidity and midfield control throughout the 2024–25 season. A more compact and versatile formation could offer both stability and fluidity—especially in big European nights where space management is crucial.

What This Means Going Forward

While it’s too early to say if the new shape will define United’s approach this season, the intent is clear: Ten Hag is open to adaptation. With an evolving squad, including younger players like Kobbie Mainoo and new signings likely to arrive, flexibility could be the key to reigniting United’s competitiveness both domestically and in Europe.

If this experiment continues, fans might see a hybrid version of Manchester United—one grounded in Ten Hag’s philosophy but borrowing tactical flair from one of the Bundesliga’s brightest minds.

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