Erik ten Hag is facing mounting pressure as Manchester United’s worst start to a Premier League season in decades unfolds.
Despite his initial success at Old Trafford, including winning two trophies, Ten Hag’s tenure has been marred by inconsistency and tactical confusion, raising questions about whether he remains the right man for the job.
With the club’s powerbrokers watching closely, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson, United must now weigh their options and decide what’s next for their under-fire manager.
1. Defensive Issues: Can Ten Hag Fix the Leaks?
One of the major criticisms leveled at Erik ten Hag is his inability to organize a solid defense.
Since his appointment in 2022, Manchester United have conceded three or more goals in a match more times than any other Premier League side—a staggering 24 times in all competitions.
The recent 3-3 draw against Porto is just the latest example of United’s disorganized defense under his leadership.
Despite investing heavily in new defenders like Matthijs de Ligt, Ten Hag has resorted to fielding veteran duo Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire to bring some stability against Aston Villa.
While this pairing earned United a rare clean sheet, it also highlighted the manager’s lack of confidence in the players meant to be the future of United’s defense. If Ten Hag is to keep his job, he must demonstrate that he can finally build a cohesive, reliable backline.
2. The Struggles in Attack: Where Are the Goals?
Manchester United’s attacking statistics under Ten Hag are equally worrying. The team has scored just five goals in their opening seven Premier League games, their worst tally since 1972-73.
With attacking stars like Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, and Joshua Zirkzee failing to find form, the pressure is on Ten Hag to find solutions.
The lack of firepower is a significant concern, particularly given United’s tradition of playing expansive, attacking football. Fans are growing impatient, as seen with their chants of “attack, attack, attack” at Villa Park. If Ten Hag cannot reignite the team’s offensive capabilities, it may be time for United’s leadership to consider alternative options.
3. Evaluating the Impact of Recent Draws
The recent draws against Porto and Aston Villa have offered some respite for Erik ten Hag, but they also reflect the team’s ongoing struggles.
Although Manchester United managed to avoid defeat in these matches, they still failed to secure the wins that could have turned their season around.
United’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park, in front of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other key figures, was a small step forward.
The club’s co-owner was joined by football advisor Dan Ashworth and executive members Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, all of whom are likely deliberating Ten Hag’s future. The performance showed some defensive organization, but the lack of attacking intent remains a major issue.
4. Is This the Right Time for Change?
The upcoming international break could provide Manchester United with an opportunity to make a managerial change. Historically, this period offers clubs a chance to regroup and reset, making it an ideal time to implement new strategies or, if needed, new leadership.
If United’s executives, led by Ratcliffe and his team, decide that a change is necessary, they will have a brief window to appoint a new manager and give him time to work with the squad before the next set of crucial fixtures.
However, Ten Hag’s recent defensive improvements may buy him some time, as the club’s hierarchy evaluates their options.
5. Who Could Replace Ten Hag?
If Manchester United decides to part ways with Ten Hag, they will need to carefully consider potential replacements. Several high-profile managers are available, each bringing different strengths that could help United turn their season around:
- Gareth Southgate: The former England manager is reportedly favored by some within United’s top brass. While Southgate’s cautious tactics have faced criticism, his counter-attacking approach could suit United’s current squad. However, whether he captures the imagination of the fans remains to be seen.
- Thomas Tuchel: Tuchel’s impressive track record, including winning the Champions League with Chelsea, makes him an attractive option. Although talks were held over the summer, Tuchel was hesitant to take the job. The club could revisit this option, though managing the German’s demanding personality might be a challenge.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy: An internal option, van Nistelrooy could serve as a temporary fix while United searches for a long-term manager. The former striker has shown promise in his coaching career and has a deep connection to the club, making him a potential fan-favorite interim solution.
- Graham Potter: After a turbulent stint at Chelsea, Potter is ready to return to management. His success at Brighton showed his ability to build a cohesive and competitive team, and his name has been linked with United. Whether the club sees him as the right fit remains to be seen.
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The Next Steps for Manchester United
Manchester United’s top brass will have to weigh the risks of keeping Erik ten Hag against the potential benefits of a new appointment. Ten Hag’s recent results have shown some improvement, but the underlying issues—particularly in attack—remain unsolved. The upcoming international break provides a crucial moment for the club to assess whether they should stick with their current manager or seek a fresh start.
United’s fixtures after the break include matches against Brentford, Fenerbahce, West Ham, and Leicester City. If Ten Hag is given the chance to continue, he must deliver immediate and positive results. The team’s performance in these games could be decisive in determining his fate at Old Trafford.
