Erik ten Hag faces a pressing challenge in rejuvenating Manchester United’s fortunes, a task made more urgent by the club’s recent managerial turnover, Newspremises reports.
The 2023/24 season for the Red Devils has kicked off with a series of setbacks that have left fans disheartened, marked by an early tally of three Premier League losses.
Certain segments of the punditry sphere have already dismissed United’s chances in the title race. Furthermore, their Champions League prospects appear dim following an initial loss to Bayern Munich.
It would be an understatement to suggest that United finds itself in a predicament. Ten Hag encounters a myriad of challenges, both on and off the field, at this early stage of the season.
To address this, Ten Hag must marshal his expertise and devise a comprehensive strategy to steer the club back onto a path of success. His ability to navigate these challenges will be pivotal in determining Manchester United’s fate in the coming months.
Manchester United’s off-pitch woes
According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag finds himself grappling with the absence of key players due to various factors.
A number of prominent figures within the team are currently sidelined due to injuries, compounding the team’s challenges. Additionally, the situation with winger Antony is adding to the club’s woes, as he is currently on a leave of absence while addressing domestic abuse allegations.
Furthermore, the ongoing discord between the club and Jadon Sancho exacerbates the predicament. Ten Hag has made it clear that he expects an apology from the winger before considering his reintegration into the squad, keeping Sancho in exile.
When these factors are combined with Manchester United’s struggles to secure positive results on the field, it becomes evident that the club is confronting a period of turmoil.
In light of these circumstances, it is imperative for Erik ten Hag to not only address the team’s on-field performance but also navigate the complex interpersonal dynamics within the squad. Achieving unity and restoring the team’s competitive edge will be pivotal in steering Manchester United away from its current state of disarray.
Will Ten Hag get sacked?
Erik ten Hag’s inaugural season at Manchester United yielded a commendable third-place finish, a noteworthy achievement in its own right.
Nevertheless, a club of United’s magnitude traditionally sets high standards for each season, and if results fail to meet expectations, Ten Hag may face challenging inquiries.
The occurrence of four defeats across various competitions so early in the season is bound to raise concerns, particularly given the club’s history of handling managers during periods of poor performance.
As reported by TalkSport, Jose Mourinho faced dismissal in the 2018/19 season when his team managed only seven victories in their initial 17 matches.
In 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his duties after a dismal record that saw his team lose five out of their last seven Premier League games.
Delving further into the past, Manchester United parted ways with David Moyes following six home defeats, with an FA Cup loss to Swansea acting as the final tipping point.
To navigate this challenging period, Erik ten Hag must not only focus on improving the team’s results but also demonstrate the resilience and adaptability required to meet the club’s lofty standards. His ability to steer Manchester United through this turbulent phase will be closely scrutinized as he aims to uphold the club’s legacy of success.
