Home > 

Manchester United’s Struggles Under Erik ten Hag: A Rocky Season Review


The tenure of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United has been fraught with challenges and setbacks, leading to one of the most difficult periods the storied club has faced in recent memory. Since taking the helm, Ten Hag has been unable to steer the club toward its former glory, culminating in disappointing performances both in the English Premier League (EPL) and Europe.

A particularly grim highlight of Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United came last season when the team finished in eighth place in the English Premier League. This marked the worst finish for the club in the EPL since its inception in 1992, highlighting the depth of the crisis at Old Trafford. Once a staple in the top four, United’s slide down the league table has been alarming to fans and football experts alike.

This season hasn’t seen much improvement. After the first seven games of the new campaign, Manchester United collected a mere eight points. This low tally set another unwanted record for the club as the worst start to a season in the Premier League era since 1992. The string of poor performances has not gone unnoticed by the supporters, who are growing increasingly restless with each passing fixture.

Adding to the hardships is Manchester United’s abysmal showing in European competitions. Last season, the team finished in last position in its Champions League group, a glaring embarrassment for a club with such a rich heritage in Europe. The team conceded a staggering 15 goals in the group stage — the most it has ever conceded in a single campaign of the prestigious tournament. Such outcomes have reignited the perennial debate about whether the current squad possesses the quality to compete on Europe’s biggest stage.

Offensively, Manchester United under Ten Hag has been lackluster, especially when compared to the potent attacking units of rival teams like Manchester City and Liverpool. In the opening nine games of this season, United managed to score only eight goals. This makes them the third-lowest scorers in the league, with only Crystal Palace and Southampton scoring fewer. The lack of firepower in front of goal highlights the need for strategic signings or a dramatic change in tactics.

Join Get ₹99!

.

Defensively, the situation is equally troubling. Last season, the club conceded 58 goals in the EPL — the highest for Manchester United in the Premier League era. This porous defense has left Ten Hag searching for solutions to plug the gaps and bring stability to his backline. Since his appointment, there have been 24 instances where the team has conceded three goals in a single match, an unenviable record for any manager in charge since 2013.

The performance issues have prompted speculation about Ten Hag’s future at the club. Despite the mounting pressure, Ten Hag remains resolute, insisting that his job is not on the line. He has pointed to a long-term vision for revitalizing Manchester United, but patience is wearing thin among fans who yearn for immediate results.

Supporters and analysts are calling for significant changes, wondering if Ten Hag can bring about the turnaround the team desperately needs. Speculation continues to swirl about potential replacement candidates should the Dutchman’s tenure fail to lead to significant improvement before the season’s end.

As Manchester United grapples with these challenges, questions persist about the club’s recruitment policy and the overall direction in which it is headed. The lack of impactful signings has been a talking point, with several pundits arguing that the team’s current roster lacks the depth and quality to compete at the top level.

The management has been urged to reassess their strategy as they look to restore the club to its once-dominant position both domestically and in Europe. The rift between Manchester United’s storied past and tumultuous present remains a source of concern for those connected to the club.

In summary, Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United has so far been characterized by underachievement and frustration. From finishing eighth in the Premier League last season to the harrowing start and underwhelming European campaigns, the road ahead seems steep. As Ten Hag works to rectify the situation, all eyes will remain trained on Old Trafford, hoping for a revival that aligns with the club’s rich history and fan expectations.