It’s official – Manchester United are a club in crisis. If it wasn’t clear in that mediocre performance against Wolves or the 2-0 loss to Tottenham, United’s weaknesses were exposed against a high-flying Brighton who pressed Ten Hag’s men into submission and a 3-1 embarrassing loss at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag’s job at United was never at risk until Saturday’s loss to Brighton. Another loss to Bayern on Wednesday will put real pressure on the Dutchman, who now needs to come up with a fix to seven critical issues to stop the club’s free fall.
What situation is Manchester United in right now?
United were mooted to challenge for the Premier League heading into the new season. The club backed Ten Hag for the second summer running, spending a hefty sum on the players he identified necessary to take the club forward. United signed Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Altay Bayindir on permanent deals, while Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat joined on different loan deals.
Five games into the season, United’s title hopes have been dashed. Ten Hag’s men are back in the same situation they were in last season – fighting for a top-four finish or even worse.
The team looked tired in their Premier League opener against Wolves, although they labored to a 1-0 win, courtesy of Raphael Varane’s goal. With two wins and three losses in five Premier League games, Manchester United find themselves in 13th place on the Premier League table, scoring six goals and chipping in ten and nine points behind league leaders Manchester City.
United need to come up with a quick fix for the current crisis or risk ruining their season before it’s barely begun. Although injuries have plagued the squad, Ten Hag has enough quality in the team to come with wins over mid-table Premier League teams and even some of the supposed title contenders.
The earlier he can get his team back on track, the better for him and his legacy at the club. Otherwise, he might suffer the same fate every United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson has suffered – getting the axe!
5 key issues Erik ten Hag must fix to solve Manchester United’s escalating crisis
Manchester United are in a free fall, and one man is responsible for stopping it. Ten Hag must address five key issues at the club to improve results and get the team back on track.
First, he must get Marcus Rashford firing again. The United star scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists to his teammates last season, making last campaign the best in his career. However, the England international has failed to recapture his last season’s form this time, although he can’t be blamed for the lack of goals. United started the season with Rashford playing centrally, something he has publicly claimed is not his best position. With Rasmus Hojlund fit again, Rashford should be regularly deployed on the left wing, where he’s most effective.
Secondly, Ten Hag must give United a clear playing identity. His team has looked all over the place in the first few games this season, something that needs to be changed as soon as possible if United are to save their season from falling to shambles.
Ten Hag must also make a decision on Casemiro, who has looked a shadow of him former self this season. The Brazilian was brought in from Real Madrid last summer, making an instant impact and becoming one of United’s best players. However, he has failed to impress this season, leaving Ten Hag with the headache of whether loan signing Amrabat should be thrown in the mix stick with Casemiro.
Next, with United’s two recognized wingers Antony and Sancho out, Ten Hag must find a way to get the best out of Facundo Pellistri. The youngster is a natural right-winger and must be unleashed in the next few matches.
Lastly, United must fix their defensive woes. The Red Devils have conceded ten goals in five Premier League games this season, a problem they must solve as soon as possible.
Can United still be considered title challengers in the Premier League?
