Syed Talib
Updated on: October 14, 2024 11:08 am GMT
Manchester United’s recent performance against FC Twente has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike. Despite the hints of progress under manager Erik ten Hag, the team’s lackluster showing in their Europa League opener suggests more obstacles ahead. The question now looms: is there genuine improvement at Old Trafford, or are fans watching a repeat of past disappointments?
Frustrating Start to the Season
The 1-1 draw against FC Twente was yet another indicator of Manchester United’s rocky start to the season. The team has now failed to win their opening major European match for four consecutive years. After a promising summer, where they celebrated an FA Cup victory and bolstered their squad with new signings, the fans carried a sense of optimism into the new campaign. However, that enthusiasm has begun to dwindle.
So far this season, Ten Hag’s squad has experienced a mix of highs and lows:
- Three wins from eight matches, including a penalty shootout loss to Manchester City.
- Two draws and three defeats, illustrating a troubling inconsistency.
- A single goal in two matches against Premier League opponents, raising questions about their offensive potency.
The boos from the crowd at the final whistle against Twente reflected a growing frustration, but it hasn’t turned to full-blown unrest just yet.
Critique from Within
Christian Eriksen, a key player for the team, did not hold back in his post-match analysis. “It was far from good enough,” he stated, highlighting that Twente “wanted it more.” His sentiment echoed throughout the squad, with manager Ten Hag admitting the need for personal and collective reflection.
“One hundred percent is necessary,” Ten Hag commented. “Today, I have some criticisms.” He acknowledged that despite some noticeable improvements in defense — allowing under one goal per game — the team’s mentality and effectiveness in front of goal remain concerning.
Scoring Struggles
Despite fielding a highly talented roster, Manchester United has struggled to find the back of the net consistently. The statistics speak volumes:
- No player has scored more than once in the Premier League this season.
- The team’s chance conversion rate stands at a mere seven percent.
- Top scorer Alejandro Garnacho, with four goals, largely gathered his tally against smaller opposition.
Ten Hag knows the numbers; he often references expected goals (xG) metrics in press interactions. The team’s current performance lags behind their potential, making it evident that many attacking players are underperforming, further compounding the pressure.
A Tough Road Ahead
Looking forward, Manchester United’s schedule poses significant challenges:
- Upcoming Matches:
– Tottenham Hotspur at home
– Porto in the Europa League
– Aston Villa away
These fixtures will test the team’s resolve and ability to adapt under pressure. Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves observes, “With all the firepower Man United has had, even though they managed 19 shots, it didn’t feel like enough. They need to be creating more and scoring more.”
As the team prepares for a tough spell, questions about Ten Hag’s future grow louder. The optimism of the summer is at risk of being overshadowed by early-season woes.
Defensive Improvements
While the attacking lineup struggles, Ten Hag’s defensive strategy appears to yield better results. The number of goals conceded is down compared to previous seasons. Fans can see a turnaround from last year’s shaky defense, which was a significant concern.
Ten Hag expressed hope that the current issues are temporary. “We are ambitious, and with ambition, you must perform,” he said. However, he acknowledges that complacency cannot be tolerated, particularly given the competitive nature of their matches ahead.
Looking for Solutions
For Manchester United to realize the ambitions set at the start of the season, they must quickly find their form. Rising to the occasion against formidable opponents is crucial. Hargreaves stresses, “At a club like this, you need to win.”
Improving the mentality on the pitch is essential, with both team spirit and individual performances requiring urgent recalibration. The fans, always hopeful yet skeptical, await a decisive turnaround.
Since Erik ten Hag became the coach of Manchester United, the team has shown some signs of getting better. However, they haven’t been able to keep winning regularly. As the pressure grows and tough games are coming up, it won’t be easy for them. The next few weeks will be very important for Ten Hag and the players. They need to work hard to find their rhythm and bring back the excitement that fans used to feel at Old Trafford.
