'That's the problem': Gary Lineker criticizes Manchester United over key issue under Erik ten Hag

Gary Lineker believes uncertainty over the right style of player for Erik ten Hag is one of Manchester United's biggest problems.

The giants of the Premier League extended his winless streak to five in all competitions on Sunday with a drab 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa.

United, who are off to their worst start in the Premier League, are 14th in the table with just eight points from seven games and without a league goal since September 14.

Much of his recruitment under ten witches It has seen him reunite with former players of his at Ajax, including Matthijs de Ligt, Antony and Andre Onana.

However, many have struggled to make an impact since signing the legendary striker. Lineker has hinted that finding the right player profile for Ten Hag is a challenge.

speaking in The rest is football In the podcast, he said: “I think it's very difficult to buy a player for Erik ten Hag because he plays with a different system all the time. Sometimes they counterattack, sometimes they press a little high. Sometimes they won't.

“We've said it many times here: 'What is your style of football? What is your identity?' I don't think you have that.

“Now, if you were buying for, say, Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham boss) or Brighton, who do very well, or Brentford or someone like that, those types of clubs… or Manchester City…

“They have a way of playing that rarely varies, they don't go from being a counter-attacking team for three weeks to being an attacking team for three weeks.

“But tell me, what is Erik ten Hag's type of player? Can you answer that? I can't. So I think that's mainly the problem. And I think that's been the case for some time, and also among the previous coaches.

“We know they've had problems at the top of the club and that trickles down, and all that sort of stuff, and that's what it is, and it's been difficult for any manager.”

“But I think at the moment it's exacerbated by the lack of style and the lack of identity on the real side of the game.

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“So, they seem to buy ad hoc. You know, 'I had him at Ajax and he was very good there', I'm sure he was! Any of those players he bought there. But where do they fit in?

“Someone like (Rasmus) Hojlund, yes, that was obvious, he's a striker, you have to have a striker. But in other positions, in other areas, if you play a slightly different system every week, how do you know what you're buying? ?So I think that's probably what happened.”

United looked to be in good form after the September international break with a 3-0 league win at Southampton and a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.

However, draws in the league and Europa League against Crystal Palace and FC Twente followed before a 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.

They then led Porto 2-0 during the week, but had to settle for a 3-3 draw thanks to Harry Maguire's stoppage-time equaliser.

While a 0-0 draw at Villa can be considered a solid result on paper, the continued lack of goals in the Premier League will be a concern and add further pressure on Ten Hag amid speculation over his future.

United return to action after the international break at home to Brentford before a tough Europa League test against Fenerbahce, managed by former manager Jose Mourinho.