Manchester United, formerly a formidable force, currently occupies the 13th spot in the league standings. They are set to face Burnley in an upcoming fixture, having suffered four defeats in their first six games of the season across all competitions. This marks the first time such a poor start has occurred since the 1986/87 season when Sir Alex Ferguson assumed managerial duties at the club. This trend should undoubtedly raise concerns for Erik Ten Hag.
Manchester United’s recent struggles have raised numerous concerns among fans and analysts alike. The team’s 4-3 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League marked a significant low point, as it was the first time they had conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games since 1978.
Although facing Bayern Munich is no small feat, the fact that this followed 3-1 losses to Brighton and Arsenal in the Premier League highlights underlying issues at United.
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In total, the record 20-time league champions have conceded a staggering 14 goals in all competitions. The pressure on manager Erik Ten Hag is intensifying with each disappointing result.
United goalkeeper Andre Onana and the defense have come under scrutiny for their performance against Bayern, with Onana acknowledging his role in the defeat. Some critics have questioned Onana’s suitability as a goalkeeper for the team.
Former Man United star Scholes pointed out that the team seemed to struggle when faced with adversity and lacked concentration, leading to avoidable goals.
The club’s fans have expressed their frustration with the team’s poor start to the season. Some blame Ten Hag for his tactical decisions, while others criticize the ownership of the Glazers, accusing them of prioritizing financial gains over the club’s success.
The transfer window has also come under scrutiny, with fans disappointed by the club’s recruitment decisions. Many feel that the club’s ambition should be winning titles, both in England and Europe, and that recent signings have not lived up to expectations.
Nigerian filmmaker and lawyer, Ayo Shonaiya, expressed concerns about Onana’s goalkeeping abilities and urged Ten Hag to consider alternative options. He compared Onana’s situation to that of former United goalkeeper David De Gea, who had a rough start but eventually became one of the club’s greatest keepers.
Other fans cited injuries as a contributing factor to the team’s struggles and criticized Ten Hag’s selection decisions, describing him as stubborn and inflexible.
Despite the challenges, some fans remain loyal but frustrated with the Glazers’ ownership, feeling that they prioritize profits over the club’s performance on the pitch.
United faces Burnley in their next match, and the pressure is mounting for them to secure a victory and reverse their fortunes.