Manchester United have been marred by inconsistent performances this season, and they could yet define the club’s domestic and European campaign, perhaps even Erik Ten Hag’s future. United have suffered defeat after defeat, with reports suggesting that the manager could be losing the dressing room to some of the worried players.
If results truly improve confidence, United’s was shattered yesterday by Copenhagen in a 4-3 narrow defeat after another loss of focus cost Erik ten Hag’s men another vital three points in Europe. Erik ten Hag had to blame someone for the loss, so he took his frustration out on the officials.
Erik ten Hag blasts UCL referees
Erik ten Hag knows he needs to give his team a lift-off if they have any chance of having a meaningful season this campaign. The Dutchman’s job at Manchester United is officially in doubt as a string of poor results has left him in a difficult position, perhaps worse than everyone expects, especially if things do not improve sooner rather than later.
The club suffered another 4-3 defeat in Denmark, which means United have only won one out of their four Champions League games so far, leaving them in a difficult situation to qualify. Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, took out his frustration on the match officials whom he believed ruined the game for his team.
“We are disappointed because we played very well,” the Dutchman said. “We started the game very well. Our best minutes of the season. We are winning the game, and the red card changes everything,” he continued.
Ten Hag went ahead to discuss the referee’s decision to send Marcus Rashford to an early shower in the first half when he showed the Englishman a red card. “So, so harsh,” the Manchester United boss added.
“He went for the ball, and the referee needs a long time to make it a red card. When you freeze it, it looks worse. I am very disappointed about such a decision. The game is never meant to be like this. This has nothing to do with football.”
“We concede two goals that should not count. The first is offside, and the second goal, it’s so close, and the hand is in a normal position. What can you do for that? Four penalties against us in four games, and two or three are very debatable. The game can’t be like this,” he added.
Despite the bad season Marcus Rashford is having, Erik ten Hag recently backed him, and one can only hope that the manager’s backing will do wonders for his confidence.
Manchester United stunned by Copenhagen
While some of Ten Hag’s frustrations at match officials may be justifiable, Manchester United truly suffered from a loss of focus in last night’s 4-3 loss to Copenhagen. Ten Hag’s men had started on the brightest note possible, scoring two goals in the opening 30 minutes through Rasmus Hojlund, who is one of the highest goalscorers in the UCL this season.
However, a red card to Marcus Rashford sent United into panic mode, and they lost their lead just before half-time, making Ten Hag’s half-time worse than he could have expected when the team was 2-0 up.
Manchester United had more control in the opening minutes of the second half, and they soon turned their chances into a goal when Harry Maguire won a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted. Sadly, Copenhagen had other ideas and continued to push United all the way, leading to two quickfire goals for the home side.
This was United’s third loss in the UEFA Champions League this season, and their hopes of making qualification is now hanging by a thread.
Eric ten Hag should be worried about his future at Manchester United, and although he’s been defiant when asked about it, his lack of ability to turn things around at the club could spell his end.
Should United sack Ten Hag?
