The morning after a night to forget for Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United squad.
As the dust settles on a Selhurst Park embarrassment for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, reflection has understandably intensified for a desire for change at the club.
This desire stems from several avenues – from witnessing Crystal Palace demolish the Reds to record their first-ever league double over the side to a season of disappointment that has led to some of the most unsavoury statistics imaginable.
But, as is usually the case, the majority of angst and anger is offloaded in the direction of the manager, with little to no acceptance towards the part played (or not in this case) by the few remaining first-team players that have managed to pull themselves off the physio’s table.
That is not an attempt to relinquish Ten Hag and his coaching staff of blame – because they are most certainly responsible for many of the fundamental issues playing out every week. But, for me, the idea that professional footballers routinely struggle to complete a simple phase of passing is unforgivable and can not be attributed to ‘overcomplex or unnecessary tactical requirements’.
The numbers behind the performances.
Yesterday evening’s 4-0 defeat was the 13th in 35 Premier League outings, leaving Ten Hag’s side in eighth position on 54 points. Furthermore, it was the 18th defeat in all competitions – the most collected since the 1977-78 season (19) under Dave Sexton.
Additionally, with Palace leading by two goals to nil at the break, it was the first time since April 1977 that the club had conceded multiple first-half goals in three consecutive top-flight away fixtures. There is no buttering it up – these are utterly harrowing statistics for the biggest football club in the world.
But, despite the doom and gloom surrounding the club this morning, there is still the prospect of a remarkable ending when the Reds lock horns with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a repeat of last season’s FA Cup showpiece on May 25.
Considering the underwhelming performances from an injury-ravaged side, the idea of overcoming City is hard to fathom. But, like the team of 1989/90 under Sir Alex Ferguson – one that ended a torrid campaign in 13th position with a minus-one goal difference – the magic of the famous cup can change the fortunes of any group of players.
I want to clarify at this stage that I am not attempting to abolish the manager, coaches or players of blame. An unlikely success in the FA Cup would not rectify the catastrophic fall from grace this season, but it would offer a second trophy in as many years, with three domestic finals from four attempts – this is not to be sneezed at.
What next?
As you read this, thousands of disgruntled United supporters want immediate change at the club, willing an interim manager to take charge of the final four fixtures. It has simply become a case of ‘anybody but him!’ and I can’t help but feel that this will not solve this season’s dilemma.
There is a funny narrative that sweeps across social media. It recognises the catastrophic sum of injuries the manager must contend with as he attempts to formulate a winning plan ahead of the referee’s opening whistle. Following the final whistle and unsavoury result, the narrative switches to bemoaning the manager’s selection, tactics and apparent inability to get the best out of his multi-million-pound squad.
The fickle nature of the football supporter is well known, but the ability to allow a knee-jerk reaction to ascend into a barrage of online wizardry is genuinely remarkable.
As we covered yesterday, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have made Ten Hag a primary target to take over from outgoing manager Thomas Tuchel, with the German now the ‘obvious’ solution to the fundamental issues at Old Trafford. Tuchel has his heart set on a return to the Premier League, and his pedigree – according to some – would allow him to miraculously change the fortunes of a football club that has required open heart surgery for many years.
The future of United’s Dutch tactician is unclear, with the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe presenting an unknown variable regarding the managerial hot seat at Old Trafford. Next up for the Reds is a home fixture against title-challenging Arsenal on Sunday, May 6, with the prospect of motivating a damaged group seemingly impossible.
As supporters, getting behind a team and management staff in times of adversity is imperative. That was never more evident than yesterday evening, as the travelling fans sang their hearts out and applauded their manager and players for the love of their football club. It was another example of the remarkable support that cherishes this club and should be ample incentive for any first-team player to give their all for the badge.
Let us know your thoughts below. Should Ten Hag be given more time, or should the club act fast to remove him?
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