Eric Ten Hag faces sack as Man Utd loss to Crystal Palace

Manchester United’s current Premier League season has marked a dismal start, setting a record for the worst opening in the 21st century.

The dream associated with their newly appointed manager, Erik ten Hag, is rapidly devolving into a nightmarish reality.

The recent loss to Crystal Palace on a Saturday afternoon represents the fourth defeat in the opening seven matches, a feat unseen since 1989. Back then, the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm, battling fan protests aimed at preserving his position. Unlike those turbulent times, there is no immediate threat to Ten Hag’s job security, and discussions about extending his contract are reportedly underway. However, the manager faces immense pressure to rectify the team’s performance swiftly.

A closer examination reveals that United’s victories over Burnley and a Carabao Cup triumph over Palace during the week merely masked the profound issues plaguing the club. The defeat on Saturday pushed Manchester United down to tenth place in the Premier League standings, with Crystal Palace climbing one spot ahead to ninth.

The age-old saying that the league table never lies remains relevant in this context. United’s performance at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace was unimpressive, with fans voicing their discontent as the team exited the pitch. Ten Hag candidly acknowledged the fans’ right to express their frustrations and emphasized the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of consistency and determination.

The question that looms large is why Manchester United is performing so poorly. While injuries have certainly taken a toll on Ten Hag’s squad, the situation is compounded by the fact that all of the club’s major summer signings were on the field during the Palace defeat. The likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Sofyan Amrabat, whose collective cost to United exceeds £200 million, were all part of the starting lineup.

In conclusion, Manchester United’s underwhelming start to the Premier League season under Erik ten Hag is a cause for concern. The club’s inability to secure favorable results, despite significant investments in new players, raises questions about the team’s overall performance and the direction in which they are headed. Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford is marked by uncertainty, and the pressure to deliver results is mounting as the season progresses.