Is Time Running Out For Erik Ten Hag At Manchester United?
After another dismal display at Old Trafford against Fulham, is time running out for Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United?
Fulham won for only the second time in over 60 years at Old Trafford yesterday, a team with the second worst away record this season behind bottom side Sheffield United.
With new United director of football Sir Dave Brailsford watching on, he saw further failings from Ten Hag’s side that have been consistent throughout the season.
In the first half in particular against Fulham, the away side looked more in control and dominated the majority of the play with United looking to play, predominantly, on the counter-attack. United’s lack of identity was evident again as there was little to no structure in their team and no patterns of play to be able to test the Fulham defense.
This isn’t the first instance of this happening this season either, with sides like Bournemouth, Brighton and Wolves all turning up to Old Trafford this season and playing with more of an identity and a confidence.
Despite a good run of form recently which had seen United win 6 of their last 7 in all competitions and go unbeaten in 2024 so far, many fans feel as though recent results have only “papered over the cracks”. Wins away at Wolves, Aston Villa and Luton came through individual moments of quality as opposed to a good overall performance from the team which made them deserved winners. Again, this is synonymous with many of United’s games this season and will be a huge concern for the team going forwards.
It is looking highly unlikely after yesterday’s defeat that United will make top 4 and may have to settle for a Europa League place. This paired with a lack of identity within the United team despite Ten Hag’s 18 months in charge will trigger a lot of concern with the United hierarchy.
It seems new part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is serious about wanting United to return to the top of English and European football again and gave an interview in the week discussing how he wants to potentially create a new “Wembley of the North” stadium for Manchester United.
Big decisions are seemingly due to be made in the near future and the role of manager at Manchester United will be high on the agenda if the club fail to secure a top 4 spot.
United have been linked with a whole host of new managers in recent times including Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel and even Graham Potter.
It seems as though there is an increasing possibility that the United board could look elsewhere for managers in the summer given the ongoing issues with the current United side.
