Erik ten Hag knows just how important it is for his side to have attacking full-backs.
The arrival of Tyrell Malacia at Manchester United this summer epitomised Ten Hag's philosophy in a signing, as the former Feyenoord left-back came with plenty of attacking intent. The 23-year-old has been a regular in the side so far this season, and despite being substituted at half-time in his last two matches, has thoroughly impressed during his brief time at Old Trafford.
On the opposite flank, Diogo Dalot continues to shine. During the summer transfer window, Ten Hag was looking to strengthen the right side of defence, as he viewed it as an area that needed upgrading. However, just like Malacia, Dalot has also impressed with his performances so far this season.
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Ten Hag may well still be keen on reinforcing the right-back position, but Dalot's competent displays have reduced the urgency.
Another feature of the Dutchman's style is his tendency to give youth a chance. This was backed up by Ten Hag's pre-match column in the Brighton matchday programme earlier this season.
He wrote: “I have also been getting to know some of our promising young players over the summer, so I will say now, for the record, that if players have the right ability and attitude, they will get their chance, regardless of their age or reputation.”
Therefore, eyebrows were raised when United sanctioned the departures of both Alvaro Fernandez and Ethan Laird on season-long loan deals. Ten Hag would have been eager for the pair to get as much match experience as possible, yet many thought the duo good enough to be given a chance in cup competitions this season.
Both Fernandez and Laird have been excellent during their time away from Old Trafford, something that will vindicate the United manager's decision. Ten Hag will be even more pleased with the attacking outputs of the duo, with Fernandez providing four assists in five starts at Preston, while Laird has scored twice and assisted once in his 10 Championship appearances for QPR.
Dalot and Malacia's returns are not quite as good, with Dalot providing two assists so far this season, while Malacia still awaits a goal or an assist for the club. This is not to say that United's current full-backs have been poor, far from it, but that Ten Hag is still waiting to implement his full tactical set-up at the club. The Dutchman, by his own admission, has not yet seen his desired system come to life.
Speaking during the club's pre-season tour of Australia, he said: "We want to press, we want to press all day and play proactive football. Sometimes we can do that high but if not possible, we have to read it as a team and drop lower. But we want to press and that has to be the intention all day.
"From every area of the team, I want productivity. That's the most important thing, that players take the initiative on and off the ball, in offence and defence."
Although it might take time for Ten Hag to see his philosophy in full swing at United, he will be pleased with just how well Laird and Fernandez are doing during their loan spells.
Dalot and Malacia's numbers will likely increase as the season progresses, yet the Dutchman will take comfort in knowing that he has two brilliant youngsters to turn to in the future should he need to, both of whom epitomise his footballing philosophy.
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