Manchester United is Having an Unstable Season. Is it Time to Fire Erik ten Hag or Not?

Erik ten Hag Should Stay

Conflicts with stars (Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho), problematic transfers, the legacy of past coaches, and high demands from fans have accompanied Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford for his second season. Building a systematic team similar to his Ajax of the late 2010s in these conditions is difficult — it requires silence and complete commitment from players. While Amsterdam players executed everything precisely, some Manchester stars posed problems.

The Dutchman needs time, and the third season, a pivotal one, will finally reveal everything about the coach's work. It's just a matter of completely clearing the squad, inviting more players suited to Erik's needs, and shielding him from fan/press pressure. After all, he has coaching skills and philosophy – the Dutchman doesn't work well under pressure. And the new club owner, Jim Ratcliffe, can ensure this – he needs time to build his project at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag Should Be Fired

Manchester United's current performance is far from satisfactory. The team's disappointing performance in the Champions League, finishing last in the group with Galatasaray and Copenhagen, is a clear indication of the team's struggles. In the Premier League, the situation is equally grim: Manchester United is a staggering 11 points behind fifth place, and the highest European competition they can hope for is the Europa League. In fact, United is overperforming significantly and based on expected points, should only be 15th. These statistics paint a bleak picture of the team's current state.

It would be acceptable if the football were enjoyable, but it's not. Erik has yet to establish a coherent attacking game, resulting in only the 11th-highest goal tally in the league and Scott McTominay being among the top scorers with just 7 goals. There were also strange tactical decisions, like deploying Sofyan Amrabat on the left defensive flank.

Another significant issue under Erik ten Hag's tenure is the team's lack of a winning mentality. This is evident from the team's inability to secure victories in crucial matches against Chelsea and Liverpool, where Manchester United faltered in the final stages. Such instances reflect a lack of mental strength and resilience, which are crucial for a team's success. Moreover, the toxicity surrounding the Dutchman is a clear indication that his leadership style is not conducive to a positive team environment, which is essential for any successful project.

Published by Patrick Jane
13.04.2024