This is contrary to the high standards set by Ratcliffe
Manchester United’s struggles from the 2023/24 season have carried over into the new campaign, raising questions about Erik Ten Hag’s future at the club.
After a lacklustre season that saw United fail to secure Champions League football, it appeared as though the Dutchman’s time at the club was over.
But an FA Cup triumph seemingly saved Ten Hag’s job.
The club’s hierarchy and new signings indicated a bright future for United but that was far from the case.
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, these same issues persist, with uninspired attacking play, defensive lapses, and a concerning lack of control in games.
Dull performances at Old Trafford have not helped and this was capped off by a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham.
As scrutiny increases, is Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United job still safe?
Executive Support
After opting not to sack Erik Ten Hag over the summer and instead extending his contract until 2026, the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led football department would look rather foolish if they dismissed him just six Premier League games into the season.
Following the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford, the club’s stance was one of calm, despite recognising the loss and the manner of it.
This is contrary to the high standards set by Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
While evaluating Ten Hag after 10 league games might seem more reasonable, further dismal defeats in quick succession may change that outlook.
Injuries No Longer a Factor?
During the 2023/24 season, Manchester United had 66 injuries and it had a major impact on their campaign.
This season has also been disrupted by injured players.
Rasmus Højlund, Leny Yoro, and Luke Shaw picked up issues during pre-season, with Yoro and Shaw yet to play, and Højlund only featuring as a substitute.
Mason Mount was sidelined after starting the first two games while Harry Maguire missed the Spurs defeat due to a knock.
Still, the lineup Erik Ten Hag fielded against Tottenham was arguably his strongest, aside from Shaw, Højlund, and perhaps Yoro, if the 18-year-old lives up to the potential that Ten Hag, Ashworth, and Berrada see in him.
However, missing three key players can’t justify the kind of defeat that draws jeers from your own supporters.
Is the Team Selection the Right One?
Seven points from 18 in the league, a goal difference of -3, and only five goals scored paint a concerning picture, with the manager’s muddled decisions in attack raising alarm.
On the left wing, Marcus Rashford went scoreless in United’s first three league games before ending his drought, which dated back to mid-March, by scoring at Southampton.
He followed up with two more goals against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup but was then “rotated”, according to Ten Hag, for the goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
On the opposite wing, Alejandro Garnacho was benched for the first two games in favour of Amad Diallo (who scored against Brighton).
He started against Liverpool but was subbed off after 69 minutes for Diallo, then dropped again for the 3-0 win over Southampton, though he managed to score the third goal as a substitute.
Further confusion surrounds the striker position.
Despite joining a month before the opening match against Fulham, Joshua Zirkzee did not start the first two games as he supposedly needed time to settle.
So far, Zirkzee has been ineffective aside from scoring the winner against Fulham, seeming more like a playmaker than a clinical finisher.
In Højlund’s absence, Ten Hag could have considered persuading Rashford to shift centrally, given his combination of speed, height, trickery, and finishing ability (when in form), making him a dangerous option through the middle.
No Clear Style of Play
Before the Spurs humiliation, it was reported that after United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool in their previous home league match, Ratcliffe and his team were scrutinising Ten Hag’s tactical approach.
Five games later, aside from a 7-0 rout of League One side Barnsley, a convincing possession-based game has only been evident in the win at Southampton and the first half against Crystal Palace.
This inconsistency remains a significant issue for Ten Hag, highlighted by Micky van de Ven’s solo run from his own half to set up Brennan Johnson’s opening goal for Spurs.
A similar lapse occurred just four days earlier when Bart van Rooij charged through to assist Sam Lammers’s equaliser for FC Twente in the Europa League.
Too often, Ten Hag’s teams fail to establish control on matchdays.
Building around Elite Players
The football department’s expectation for Erik Ten Hag this season is steady progress rather than simply securing a top-four finish.
But to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a 21st league title by 2028, the club’s 150th anniversary, which is Berrada’s stated ambition, the squad should already have a core of elite players to build around.
They may be on the right path, as five players could arguably have a place in Manchester City’s title-winning squad of the past four years:
- Lisandro Martínez
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Marcus Rashford
- Bruno Fernandes
However, the question remains whether Erik Ten Hag is the manager to realise this talent and construct the rest of an elite team.
Erik Ten Hag’s position at Manchester United remains precarious as the team’s struggles from last season have continued into the current campaign.
The inconsistencies in tactics, game management, and player form have led to growing doubts about his ability to steer the club forward.
With the club’s hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, eyeing long-term success and silverware, Ten Hag’s future may hinge on how quickly he can turn things around.
The upcoming matches could prove decisive, and the international break may offer a crucial moment for reflection.
Whether Ten Hag stays or goes, one thing is clear: Manchester United needs a swift revival to keep pace with its ambitious goals.
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