Manchester United’s recent defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium has left fans and analysts puzzled, especially in light of head coach Erik ten Hag’s reactions following the match. Following a disheartening 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Ten Hag declared that he would “deny” the defeat due to the subsequent rescinding of Bruno Fernandes’ red card. This approach suggests a tendency to navigate around failures instead of addressing the root causes, which may hinder the team’s overall progress. Facing West Ham, it seemed that Manchester United was on course for a victory until a crucial decision changed the game’s trajectory.
In the dying moments of the match, a foul by Matthijs de Ligt on Danny Ings led to a controversial penalty awarded to West Ham, decided by VAR. The match ended 2-1, with Jarrod Bowen converting the penalty, thus sealing yet another frustrating outing for United. If Ten Hag seeks solace in a refereeing blunder, he must confront the alarming pattern of his team’s inability to maintain control within matches. This inconsistency is becoming a defining characteristic that Ten Hag must address urgently.
Ten Hag’s record at the London Stadium is particularly troubling. He has yet to accumulate a single point in a Premier League match here, a statistic that must weigh heavily on his mind. The last notable triumph for United was in 2021, when Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard found the net. The psychological effect of repeated failures at a venue can be profound and may contribute to the team’s poor performance. Ten Hag’s clear disdain for the venue was evident when he dismissed pre-match festivities with a wave of his hand, indicating that the worries on his mind far surpassed the celebration of the occasion.
Beyond the troubles with West Ham, United extended their winless run in Europe during the midweek match against Fenerbahce. This lackluster performance not only showcases the chaos within the team but also raises questions about Ten Hag’s ability to steer the ship in turbulent waters. Except for a solitary win against lowly Southampton, United seems to have forgotten how to secure three points away from their home turf in the Premier League, prompting serious concerns for the remainder of the season.
Although Ten Hag has displayed a propensity to sidestep accountability, he did voice criticisms about the officiating, reiterating that decisions made in these high-stakes matches significantly impact outcomes. His statement on VAR processes ignites yet another discussion surrounding the efficiency and reliability of technology in football, a topic that has become increasingly contentious in recent years. However, while he points his finger at external factors, the narrative of internal shortcomings cannot be overlooked.
United started promisingly against West Ham, with Bruno Fernandes setting up opportunities for Alejandro Garnacho, who failed to seize these chances. Their inability to capitalize on early dominance is a telling sign of their struggles; few teams can afford to squander scoring opportunities and still hope to find success. Diogo Dalot’s embarrassing miss from a mere six yards exemplified the dire straits the club finds itself in. If their attacking stars like Garnacho and Fernandes are unable to convert significant chances, the pressure on Ten Hag will undoubtedly intensify.
Room for Improvement
While Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with certain aspects of the team’s first-half performance, the ultimate truth remains—the team’s failure to convert chances is a glaring issue. Statistically, their expected goals (xG) against West Ham were promising, yet they failed to translate that into tangible results. The fact that West Ham improved their xG to 2.98 against United’s 2.38 reinforces the idea that Ten Hag’s side is often outdone by tactical adjustments from opposing coaches.
With the upcoming matches against Chelsea, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Everton—teams currently exhibiting mixed forms—the pressure is mounting for Ten Hag. These matches present a potential opportunity for redemption, but United’s current trajectory suggests a grim future if they do not manage to reestablish their attacking potency.
Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads. The distinct lack of cohesion and utter inability to capitalize on opportunities illustrate a team adrift in uncertainty. As Ten Hag navigates these troubled waters, the question remains: can he rally his team to overcome adversity, or are they doomed to repeat the same disheartening narrative as seasons past?
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