Manchester United are back in action against Brentford this weekend, but all eyes remain fixed on manager Erik ten Hag. After an underwhelming start to the season, Ten Hag is facing intense scrutiny as Manchester United struggle to find form. The numbers tell a troubling story, as data reveals just how much United have faltered under his leadership. Here’s a closer look at where things have gone wrong for Ten Hag and his team.
Poor Comparisons with Past Managers
In the post-Ferguson era, Manchester United managers have struggled to meet the club’s lofty expectations. While Ten Hag may have delivered some success, such as the 2023 Carabao Cup win, his overall league performance pales in comparison to previous managers. Only Ralf Rangnick, who was in charge briefly and faced a toxic dressing room, has a worse points-per-game record. Despite receiving significant financial backing in the transfer market, Ten Hag’s league form is worse than Louis van Gaal’s and Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s, both of whom were sacked for far less.
A Terrible Start to the Season
The current Premier League season has been especially poor. United’s start, with only eight points from their first seven games, marks their worst-ever under Ten Hag. His team has struggled to score, with only five goals, one of which was a deflection. Despite bringing in familiar faces like Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, United’s form has declined further. With disjointed performances and missed opportunities, United have failed to gain momentum or consistency, leaving fans and critics alike questioning the manager's tactical decisions.
Heavy Defeats Reflect Weaknesses
Under Ten Hag, Manchester United have suffered several humiliating defeats, the most notable being a 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool and a 6-3 loss to Manchester City. Even more concerning are the drubbings at the hands of smaller teams like Brentford and Brighton, exposing the team’s vulnerability in both defense and attack. The scale of these losses is a major concern, not only for the club’s reputation but also for Ten Hag’s future at the helm. His inability to stem the tide during these heavy defeats is a worrying sign.
Rashford’s Struggles in an Unfamiliar Role
Marcus Rashford, once a prolific goal-scorer for United, has seen his form nosedive under Ten Hag. After scoring 30 goals two seasons ago, Rashford has managed only 12 in his last 54 appearances. Ten Hag’s decision to play Rashford in a wider role has baffled many, as it neutralizes his strength of cutting inside and attacking the box. Without proper support from a left-back and a clear tactical plan, Rashford’s output has diminished, and the blame lies partly in the manager’s choices.
Onana’s Struggles Between the Posts
André Onana was brought in by Ten Hag for his passing ability, but the goalkeeper’s performances have been far from reassuring. Onana’s distribution, one of his supposed strengths, has not translated into effective play for United. Instead, the team often finds itself pinned back, unable to advance the ball with purpose. Onana’s defensive frailties, combined with United’s possession struggles, have only added to the mounting problems at the back.
Tactical Disarray and Lack of Identity
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at Ten Hag is the lack of a coherent tactical identity. United’s style of play appears to shift from game to game, with no clear method or consistency in their approach. This tactical indecision has led to a lack of cohesion, both in attack and defense. Data shows that United’s starting distance – how far from their own goal they initiate passing sequences – fluctuates wildly, making it difficult for the team to settle into any rhythm or structure.
Erik Ten Hag fires back to the media