It was a defeat many saw coming, and the implications for Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag are damning. The team’s lackluster performance against West Ham only highlighted their ongoing issue of failing to score goals. In fact, this is the first time since November 1992 that United have gone four consecutive games without finding the back of the net across all competitions. This statistic alone is a clear indication of the team’s ongoing struggles.
Despite having almost two-thirds of possession and their top five attacking players on the field, Manchester United created embarrassingly little in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. The lack of quality and creativity from their attacking players was evident. Surprisingly, it was West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, along with his former Ajax teammate Edson Álvarez, who provided more quality than anyone in a United shirt managed throughout the game. Erik ten Hag’s decision to overlook players like Kudus in favor of others, such as Antony, raises questions about his judgment and decision-making.
United’s forward line is struggling, and the lack of goals and assists from their attacking players speaks volumes. Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million summer signing, has yet to make an impact in the Premier League with 15 games played and zero goals or assists. Marcus Rashford, who replaced Hojlund in the game against West Ham, also struggled to make an impact, touching the ball only 13 times during his 33-minute appearance. The inconsistency of Antony and the need for coaching for players like Alejandro Garnacho further emphasize the collective struggle of the front line.
While individual players must take responsibility for their slump in form, the collective malaise ultimately reflects poorly on Erik ten Hag. Manchester United’s scoring record this season is abysmal, with only 18 goals in 18 league games. To put this into perspective, it’s only two goals more than the relegation-threatened Burnley and the same number as Crystal Palace, who sit in 15th place. United’s goal difference is now -4, an alarming statistic for a team with top-four aspirations. Even last season, when Ten Hag appeared to be making progress, United managed the lowest number of goals among the top-six teams. Their decision to sign the young Hojlund over pursuing a proven goal scorer like Harry Kane has proved to be detrimental to the team’s attacking prowess.
Manchester United’s current situation calls for immediate action from Ten Hag. The team’s inability to score goals and win games is a concerning trend that cannot be ignored. While Ten Hag remains confident in the abilities of his players, their performances on the field tell a different story. There is a clear lack of belief and cohesion within the team.
Ten Hag emphasizes the need for the players to take responsibility and work together to overcome their struggles. However, this sentiment alone is not enough. Tactical changes, player rotations, and a reassessment of the team’s attacking strategies are necessary to break free from this cycle of mediocrity.
Manchester United’s defeat against West Ham was not just a result of a lackluster performance, but also a reflection of the team’s ongoing struggles. The predictable nature of their losses and their inability to score goals have put Erik ten Hag’s position as manager under scrutiny. United’s upcoming game against in-form Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Boxing Day will be crucial in determining the direction of the team.
For Manchester United to regain their status as a top team, a significant change is required. From tactical adjustments to individual player improvements, every aspect of the team’s performance must be evaluated and rectified. Otherwise, their current slump will continue, leaving Ten Hag’s credibility and the team’s aspirations in tatters.
Leave a Reply