Manchester United's Struggle Continues: Dutch Coach Erik ten Hag Fails to Find Winning Formula as Club's Atmosphere Grows Bleak
Manchester United's struggles continue under Dutch coach Erik ten Hag as uncertainty and inconsistencies plague the club's performances, both in the Premier League and cup competitions, intensifying the dark cloud hanging over this renowned football giant
Manchester United's inconsistent displays in the English Premier League this season, combined with unimpressive performances in cup competitions and ambiguity surrounding the club's ownership, have caused a perfect storm for one of the largest clubs in the world.
The recent bout of turbulence has placed manager Erik ten Hag under intense examination due to his team's lackluster showings and playing style.
After suffering a 3-0 loss to bitter rival Manchester City at Old Trafford in their most recent league match, United's misery was further compounded by their exit from the Carabao Cup. This time, they were handed another disappointing 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United. As a result, the prevailing atmosphere at Old Trafford remains relentlessly grim, something that Ten Hag acknowledged when he told reporters, "It falls short of the expectations one has for Manchester United."
"I take full responsibility for the current situation as it is my team that is underperforming. Although I share the burden with my players, ultimately, I am the one accountable for it. As the full-time whistle approached on Wednesday night, the away fans hauntingly chanted "You're getting sacked in the morning," creating a grim atmosphere in the stadium. The disappointing run of our squad has raised widespread concerns and led to a pervasive question: What is causing the downfall at the club?"
Rasmus Højlund joined Manchester United from Italian club Atalanta in August for a reported fee of $87.7 million.
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In truth, its tough to even identify what has gone right at United since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Since the retirement of the legendary Scotsman, there have been eight managers, none of whom have managed to replicate the devoted following or return Manchester United to their dominant position in previous decades. Dutch football expert Michael Statham stated, "The stability brought by Ferguson is irreplaceable, and since then, managers have come and gone."
Mason Mount is yet to score a goal for United since joining from Chelsea in July.
Just over a year into Ten Hag's tenure, the wheels are once again starting to come off, following a promising first season. This recurring pattern has become all too familiar for past Manchester United managers.
The 53-year-old Dutch coach has faced numerous unforeseen challenges during his brief tenure as manager, including a multitude of injuries. Additionally, Mason Greenwood was temporarily loaned to Spanish team Getafe due to allegations of rape and assault, which he vehemently denied and were eventually dismissed. Similarly, Brazilian player Antony recently returned to the squad after facing allegations of domestic assault, which he also refutes.
Adding more fuel to the fire, Jadon Sancho has yet to make an appearance for the club after his public spat with Ten Hag following Uniteds 3-1 loss to Arsenal in September.
Manchester United manager Ten Hag has had a very public falling out with Jadon Sancho, who last played for the club in August.
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Off the playing field, the situation remains intricate. Despite the club's announcement of record revenue for the 2022/23 season, the Glazer family, who assumed ownership in 2005, has burdened United with a staggering £613.3 million ($743.6 million) debt, as stated in the club's annual report in 2023.
Last November, CNN reported that the club owners were considering offers to potentially sell the club due to ongoing frustrations from fans. These frustrations have escalated in recent years, leading to weekly protests, constant "Glazers Out" banners, and even pitch invasions.
This announcement caught the attention of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, among others. However, Jim Ratcliffe emerged as the frontrunner earlier this month when Sheikh Jassim formally withdrew from the race. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Sheikh Jassim's final bid of £5 billion ($6 billion) fell short of the Glazers' valuation of £6.5 billion.
While the Qatari bid was for 100% ownership of United, INEOS owners have made an offer of £1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) for a 25% stake in the club, granting them full control over the football operations, according to reports from We. It is now reported that Ratcliffe is ready to take control of the remaining minority stake.
A Manchedster United fan holds an anti-Glazer banner during the Carabao Cup fourth round match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
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Ten Hag believes that the players are not getting affected by what is happening off the pitch. According to the United manager, the squad is not concerned about strategic reviews or structures or anything of that nature. He made these comments prior to the Manchester derby over the weekend.
However, ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville holds a contrary opinion, asserting that there exists a toxic and deeply ingrained negativity within the entire football department, specifically surrounding Erik ten Hag's role.
CNN has reached out to Manchester United for a statement regarding Neville's remarks.
Other analysts, particularly former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, have highlighted Ten Hag's perceived failure to establish a unique playing style at United - despite his previous coaching experience with Dutch club Ajax - and the Dutch manager's choices in player recruitment as factors behind the team's troubled start to the season.
Lisandro Martínez, who played under ten Hag at Ajax, is currently sidelined for an extended period as stated by United. The Argentine defender has aggravated the foot injury he sustained in April.
Johan Cruyff, known for his prominent role in "Total Football," introduced his philosophy at the Dutch club, intertwining Ajax's identity with his footballing ethos. Similarly, Erik ten Hag's tactics at Ajax, a four-time European Cup champion, mirrored those of his predecessors. However, the same cannot be said for his approach at United.
"We won't replicate the style of football we employed at Ajax here," Ten Hag asserted following the Manchester derby. "I am now working with different players, and that's not the reason why I joined this club."
Under ten Hag's management at United, the cumulative cost of permanent signings totals £410.9 million ($499.7 million). In terms of these transfers, notable players Antony, Rasmus Højlund, and Mason Mount have collectively contributed to 11 goals (seven goals and four assists) across 51 appearances in all competitions.
The cumulative transfer fees of We amount to £218 million ($265 million), indicating that United has spent £19.8 million for every goal or assist contributed by the attacking trio. Statham questioned why Ten Hag hasn't been able to bring out the best in them, given the known talent of these United forwards.
Manchester United's Old Trafford is known as the Theatre of Dreams, but the stadium is increasingly becoming a place of nightmare for fans.
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There have also been inquiries regarding Manchester United's acquisition of Eredivisie players, specifically Antony, Lisandro MartÃnez, and Tyrell Malacia, all of whom originated from the Dutch top division. However, among them, only MartÃnez, who is currently injured, has made the desired impact since his arrival, disappointing Ten Hag's expectations.
"You can find some excellent players in the Dutch Eredivisie. Yet, their transition has yielded varied outcomes," mentioned Statham.
"However, the majority of experiences have been unfavorable. I believed Antony was not yet prepared; he should have spent another season in the Eredivisie."
There are concerns about Ten Hag's ability to maximize the performance of the Manchester United forwards, and this has raised doubts about his authority in the dressing room. Even players like Sancho have questioned his leadership.
"He hasn't achieved anything similar to what he did at Ajax. Initially, his presence at United was significant, but now things are not going well. Can he still exert the same level of authority to make changes, especially when it comes to player tactics?" Statham raised these questions.
The term "losing the dressing room" is frequently used to describe a situation where a manager appears to be losing the support and respect of the players in a club, usually leading to their eventual departure. However, it is yet to be determined if ten Hag is the central figure contributing to Manchester United's recent difficulties.
Erling Haaland and John Stones of Manchester City celebrate after humbling United 3-0 at Old Trafford on October 29.
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If Ratcliffes' bid for the club succeeds, United supporters will eagerly anticipate a positive change in their team's on-field performance. However, lacking the solid foundation and unwavering support that clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle possess, aiming to possess a victorious mindset not only feels like a distant recollection but also a diminishing aspiration.
