Questions arise about whether the Dutch Manager is a right fit for the Red Devils
Manchester United’s challenges continued when they were defeated 3-0 by archrivals Manchester City, increasing the issue for under-fire manager Erik ten Hag. The defeat was their fifth in the first ten Premier League games, putting the Dutchman under more pressure.
Given the team’s poor performance, renowned football analyst Richard Keys said that the Manchester United job might be “too big” for ten Hag. Despite showing promise in his inaugural season, United’s large summer transfer window purchases have not translated into on-field success, with the club falling in the title fight.
He said: “Clearly the job is too big for Ten Hag. Clearly he’s lost his players. Clearly his ‘game plans’ are nonsense. Does he really believe that Utd were ‘toe to toe’ with City in the first-half? Clearly he’s deluded if he does.
“That was City’s easiest three points of the season. Brighton made them work harder. And Wolves. Even Sheffield United gave them more of a run for their money.”
The Manchester derby on Sunday was just another example of United being outplayed at Old Trafford, and despite ten Hag’s short stay of less than 18 months, Keys believes the former Ajax manager may be out of his depth.
While ten Hag won the Carabao Cup last season, ending a trophy drought that began in 2017, the team learned hard lessons, including crushing losses to rivals City and Liverpool. The manager’s disciplinary mindset has also been called into question, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and Jadon Sancho’s limited playing time raising eyebrows.
Ten Hag maintains his belief that the team is heading in the right direction, but criticism of the lack of a distinctive playing identity under his leadership is growing louder. Some even suggest that the players have grown weary of his repetitive post-match routines.
Ten Hag believes the team is on the right track, but criticism of the lack of a defined playing identity under his leadership is gaining louder. Some claim the players have grown tired of his constant post-game routines.
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