Man Utd played very poorly in away defeat at Newcastle
Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep the Manchester United dressing room on his side after suffering a 10th defeat of the season, according to reports. United lost 1-0 against Newcastle United on Saturday, but the visitors’ lacklustre performance at St James’ Park fuelled more concern than the scoreline.
Ten Hag enjoyed a joyous maiden campaign, ending the club’s six-year trophy drought with the Carabao Cup and finishing third in the Premier League, securing a Champions League return.
United lost just twice at Old Trafford and started a 31-game unbeaten home run that extended into this term.
More recently, Ten Hag equalled Ernest Mangnall’s 118-year record by taking just 79 games to win his first 50 as Red Devils boss.
However, the bigger picture can’t always override the reality of this season. And the reality is that United have looked like a team already anticipating a fifth failed manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.
United are seventh in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, and rock bottom of their Champions League group with one game remaining.
They won’t even drop into the Europa League with defeat against Bayern Munich – unbeaten in 39 group-stage games – at Old Trafford.
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A 3-0 loss at home to Newcastle United in a rematch of the February final also ended United’s Carabao Cup defence in the fourth round.
Ten Hag is now at serious risk of regressing in his second season at Old Trafford, and it’s reportedly taking its toll in the dressing room.
According to ESPN, the Dutchman is facing a battle to keep his squad on his side, with two complaints privately raised among some players.
Ten Hag’s intense training sessions since the club’s pre-season tour of the United States have been viewed as a serious issue.
They could be linked to United’s relentless injury woes this term. Over 20 senior players have missed at least a game through injury or illness.
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The report claims that Ten Hag’s tactics have been considered cavalier by a section of his squad due to how vulnerable they have left the team to shots on goal.
Ten Hag has taken steps to maintain his players’ faith after adopting a strict disciplinarian approach during his first 18 months at the helm.
Despite poor performances, he’s said to have made an effort to defend players like Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford in public.
But with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Aston Villa all on the horizon this month, Ten Hag’s biggest challenge will be ensuring results turn around before it escalates further.
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