Occupying 11th place in the Premier League table with ongoing issues in the final third, Erik ten Hag prepares for Sunday’s visit of fellow European-chasing rivals Spurs.
The Manchester United chief is again the daily topic of discussion, with an unrivalled barrage of critique, protest and speculation about his future at Old Trafford.
One win in nine European outings and six in 18 Premier League fixtures is not good enough – that is abundantly clear.
However, we must apply logic and perspective to statements and the variables surrounding statistics.
Many people quoting this Premier League (PL) figure championed the injuries that dislodged the previous campaign and have chosen to brush that under the carpet today.
Furthermore, it is every bit as easy to paint a more positive picture by highlighting the four wins, one draw and two defeats in the previous seven PL clashes.
Before I continue – I am not making excuses for an underperforming management team and players; I am simply offering an opinion from both sides of the fence.
Manchester United must start finishing their opportunities, and an inability to do so will fall at the feet of the Dutchman.
Despite back-to-back domestic cup victories and a dominating Wembley display against Pep Guardiola, is Ten Hag destined to be an underachiever in England, or is he on the periphery of something great?
What is the issue in 2024-25?
In the simplest of explanations, goals – or a lack of them!
Disregard the seven put past Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Not that I didn’t enjoy them, but for the basis of discussion against top-tier opposition.
Ten Hag’s side has registered six goals in six outings across the league and Europe, leaving a catalogue of opportunities behind them. While some will scratch and claw for a scapegoat, the entire forward line is culpable.
In the neverending world of Manchester United, the goalposts will regularly move to accommodate a narrative and an agenda. However, is misfiring forwards and an inability to convert opportunities solely the Dutchman’s issue?
Heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures, United hold an xG of 9.5 or 1.9 per 90 minutes. That ranks behind Manchester City (11.3) and Liverpool (9.8) alone.
But let’s expand on that with one of the most prevalent topics today and the amount of big chances missed. The 20-time English champions have squandered 17 after five fixtures, five more than the next.
The side has averaged 5.6 shots on goal per 90′, off the back of a fourth-placed holding of 5.4 possessions won in the final third per fixture.
Defensively, an undeniable concern from a forgettable campaign of 2023-24 has been addressed, with the number of shots conceded falling from 17.6 to 10 per fixture.
Furthermore, the Reds lead the league with interceptions, clocking up an impressive 11.8 through 90 minutes of PL football.
That said, statistics often mask glaring issues, and this is a side which remains vulnerable under periods of duress.
A last-minute defeat at Brighton offered plenty of questions regarding defensive structure before an inexcusable midweek howler against FC Twente left supporters gobsmacked.
While I can offer a defence for misfiring forwards, I am not deluded – I can see that issues remain within the structure of the side. That is tactical and a black mark on the ledger of Erik ten Hag and his backroom team.
Additionally, while I do not share the weekly outrage for every substitution made, there are times when I scratch my head in bemusement. Ultimately, this is a fundamental requirement for any tactician.
But, in fairness to the man, nobody is perfect, and even Pep opted to rule out a defensive midfielder in a Champions League final.
Perspective is required
Manchester United are unbeaten in four and conceded one goal during that period. Tactically, the side is playing undeniably better than 12 months ago, with evident structure and passages of play.
Yes, the level of opposition is one the Manchester greats should dispatch, but even the most accomplished managers can only take their players so far.
Erik ten Hag is certainly responsible for his team and the results that have been and gone, but the squad must also shoulder the blame for their inability to find the net.
Once more, I am not absolving him of blame. There are issues within his setup and areas potentially ignored due to stubbornness.
But whether you like the man is irrelevant!
Certain pundits may critique his dress sense, his manner in front of a mic, or his insistence on providing sub-par responses to the media.
For me, the fundamental issue is an assertion on factoring last season into current proceedings, and as long as that exists, negativity will surface daily.
The media thrive on this great football club – some require its existence for their living.
With such, individuals walk down unnecessary pathways with baffling reports about inevitable sackings and dependence on victory in the upcoming fixture.
However, a little over two months ago, this was categorically ruled out, with recognition of no guarantees for the season ahead, as the club looked to rebuild and establish a firm foundation to facilitate ongoing success.
Take an article in the Guardian on July 24, for example.
Jamie Jackson stated: “Erik ten Hag is not under pressure to guide Manchester United to a top-four finish next season, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe prioritising considerable progression of the team as the man in charge of football operations at United aims to establish sustained excellence there.
“While Ten Hag’s ambition is to lead United to as high a position as possible and Ratcliffe’s Ineos-led football department want the same, there is a recognition there are no guarantees next season as the club rebuild and that establishing a firm foundation will allow ongoing success.”
Now, I appreciate that football is a dangerous beast with neverending changes. But, Sir Jim is a shrewd operator – I fail to believe that his opinions have drastically changed in such a short time.
Furthermore, while United have hardly set the world alight with their results, performances have categorically improved on last season, and a win tomorrow would take the side to within four points of City and Arsenal with 32 fixtures to play.
As I’ve said, perspective is everything, and four wins, one draw, and two defeats in seven Premier League outings read a hell of a lot better than including fixtures from February.
Ultimately, enhanced performances, clear passages of play and league-leading metrics in chances created/missed highlight an improvement.
But goals win games and build points. The players need to stand up and return for their manager. Otherwise, the ravenous media monster will achieve its desired result.
How do you feel about the situation with Erik ten Hag and the season ahead?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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