Following a dismal 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, Erik ten Hag has faced increasing pressure as manager of Manchester United. Former United players Michael Owen and Paul Scholes criticized ten Hag for allegedly blocking Steve McClaren from coaching the team. The defeat was the club’s 13th Premier League loss of the season, leaving them in eighth place in the table. There are concerns that United could finish in their lowest ever Premier League position, currently seventh, with only three games remaining.
Owen and Scholes urged United to replace ten Hag and appoint McClaren as caretaker manager until the end of the season, claiming that the team lacks coaching. They argued that the current team is “clueless” and will struggle against their upcoming opponents. McClaren, a former England manager, has previously worked with Scholes and has the experience to address the issues at United. The ex-United pair believe that ten Hag is not effectively coaching the team and that changes need to be made immediately.
Since ten Hag was appointed in May 2022, Manchester United have suffered several significant defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Brentford, a 6-3 defeat to Manchester City, and a 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool. However, the recent loss to Crystal Palace was described by ten Hag as the “worst defeat” during his tenure. He took responsibility for the poor performance and expressed disappointment in the team’s underwhelming display. Despite preparing the team to the best of his ability, ten Hag acknowledged that improvements are needed.
The defeat at Crystal Palace prompted criticism and calls for change from pundits, fans, and former players. Assessing United’s performance, Owen questioned the coaching of the team under ten Hag and suggested that McClaren has not been involved in training. He highlighted the team’s lack of cohesion and effectiveness, especially with important games approaching. Scholes echoed Owen’s sentiments, emphasizing McClaren’s coaching methods and his potential to improve the team’s performances. The pressure on ten Hag has intensified following this defeat, raising doubts about his future at the club.
With three crucial games remaining in the season, Manchester United are at a crossroads as they seek to salvage their campaign and achieve a respectable finish in the Premier League. The defeat to Crystal Palace exposed the team’s weaknesses and shortcomings, leading to widespread criticism of ten Hag’s coaching abilities. As speculation grows about potential changes in the managerial position, United face a pivotal period in their season. The decisions made in the coming days could have a significant impact on the club’s future and their ability to compete at the highest level.
