Manchester United’s season keeps getting worse game by game, and it is now seriously endangering the position of manager Erik ten Hag. Aside from all the controversies regarding the Jadon Sancho issue, the Antony abuse allegations and even the ongoing takeover saga, the club has also been disappointing on the pitch.
Their poor start to the season was reflected in yesterday’s 3-0 loss to Derby rivals Manchester City. They have not been playing up to their standards recently, and although they are suffering from an injury crisis, many fans are dissatisfied. And it is Erik ten Hag who is being targeted.
Erik ten Hag explains decision to leave Raphaël Varane out
Yesterday, the Manchester derby proved the difference between the two neighboring clubs. Pep Guardiola’s side completely dominated the pitch, while United struggled to keep up. Erling Haaland scored two goals, including a penalty, and Phil Foden sealed the game with a third goal. The end result was a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford for the team, and the Red Devils are currently 8th in the Premier League.
Obviously, manager Erik ten Hag is feeling the pressure right now, with many fans already turning on him. Particularly, they have questioned one particular team selection that was done in yesterday’s game. The fans are wondering why the Dutchman felt the need to bench veteran Raphaël Varane and instead start Jonny Evans in the lineup in such a big game.
After the game, he tried to explain his decision: “When you play City they will press and play with Rapha [on the right] and Maguire on the left, that can cause problems and you end up only playing long balls. He [Maguire] is, for me, better on the right, especially against teams that press high.” So according to the 53 year old, it was purely a tactical decision, which obviously did not work.
Fans left baffled with Manchester United manager’s clarification
But fans are not happy with the explanation provided. Jonny Evans only joined this summer and has not played many minutes. He was in fact signed as an emergency backup to Lisandro Martinez who will be injured for many months. They were understandably perplexed that a player like Varane who has won everything in the sport was snubbed for a player like Evans.
One fan on X said that these type of team selection is detrimental, “Decision like these will eventually cost the team”.
Another also pointed out that Harry Maguire also should not have started, “It’s an insult that Harry Maguire gets in the team over Raphaël Varane in any way shape or form. So the ETH explanation for this ‘tactical decision’ was ridiculous.”
It is clear that the fans are starting to lose faith in the manager and soon we could hear shouts asking him to be sacked. Nevertheless, Erik Ten Hag must now be ready to dispel all the doubts when Manchester United face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
