After a tumultuous press conference, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds himself on the defensive once again. While fans may appreciate his confrontational approach, within the football community, such behavior is often seen as a sign of weakness. Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard’s recent outburst serves as a cautionary tale, with ten Hag potentially facing a similar fate at Old Trafford.
The prevailing view in football is that when a manager becomes preoccupied with media criticism, it suggests they are losing control of the situation. While unfair to some extent, managers are generally expected to rise above such distractions. Their focus should remain on the team’s performance rather than external noise.
Ten Hag’s recent outburst stems from United’s unconvincing penalty shootout victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final. Despite acknowledging some luck, he denounced the media coverage as a “disgrace.” However, results do not lie. United’s persistent defensive frailties cannot be dismissed as mere misfortune, as evidenced by their consistent struggles throughout the season. Coventry City simply exploited the same weaknesses that have plagued United all season.
Defenders of ten Hag often cite the numerous player absences, particularly key system players like Lisandro Martinez. However, this argument contradicts the philosophy of “ideology” managers like ten Hag, who are expected to implement their system regardless of personnel availability. The premise of this approach is that the system transcends individual players.
The consequences of ten Hag’s failure to instill a coherent tactical structure are evident in United’s lackluster performances. They have become one of the most vulnerable teams in the league, with only individual talent preventing even worse results. To add to ten Hag’s woes, players are reportedly expressing discontent over their altered tactical roles.
Despite qualifying for three finals in two years, including one trophy victory, United’s recent form has raised concerns about ten Hag’s long-term prospects. The promising period following the 2022 World Cup, when United showcased their potential, has given way to a string of disappointing results.
Ineos, United’s new owners, are believed to be particularly concerned about the club’s recruitment strategy and the poor performances of many signings. They view these issues as a significant waste of resources. With rumors of ten Hag’s imminent departure circulating, the only factor potentially saving him is the lack of suitable candidates.
In a transitional period for football coaching, Ineos has expressed interest in managers such as Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Roberto De Zerbi. Julian Nagelsmann, previously a target, has recently committed to the German national team.
The criticism surrounding ten Hag has become overwhelming. While he may point the finger at the media, the only way to silence the noise is through improved performances. It remains to be seen if ten Hag can defy the odds and turn United’s fortunes around.
