Is Manchester United Improving? Ten Hag Faces Tough Questions After Underwhelming Start
After an optimistic summer marked by an FA Cup victory and renewed support for manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s early season has been a mixed bag, raising concerns about the team’s trajectory. Following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Dutch side Twente in the Europa League, the familiar sounds of frustration are echoing around Old Trafford.
While the crowd didn’t turn hostile, a few boos at the final whistle suggest dissatisfaction is brewing. Ten Hag’s agreement with Christian Eriksen’s post-match comments—highlighting that Twente “wanted it more”—doesn’t inspire confidence. Eriksen lamented, “It was far from good enough. They looked like they wanted it more—that can’t be right.”
So far, United has managed just three wins in their opening eight games, a tally lower than in either of Ten Hag’s previous seasons. They have drawn twice and lost three matches, though they have shown some defensive improvement. But are these signs of progress enough?
Struggles in Front of Goal
United’s attacking woes continue to plague them. Aside from a League Cup win against Barnsley, they have struggled to find the net, with no player scoring more than one goal in the Premier League. Alejandro Garnacho is the team’s top scorer with four goals, two of which came in a single match against Barnsley.
The team has underperformed against their expected goals (xG) in five of their seven competitive outings, showcasing a troubling chance conversion rate of just seven percent. Ten Hag acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “Ninety-nine percent is not enough. We have some problems scoring goals, but we need to kill the game.”
Criticism and Future Challenges
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves pointed out the team’s lack of ruthlessness despite registering 19 shots against Twente. “They should be creating more and scoring more,” he emphasized, echoing the sentiment that United’s attacking talent must step up in critical moments.
As the Europa League’s new format offers a path to qualification even for struggling teams, pressure is mounting for United to turn their fortunes around. The upcoming fixtures, including a challenging match against Tottenham, will be crucial for the team’s morale and standing.
On a positive note, United’s defense has shown signs of improvement, with goals conceded per game down to below one. This defensive solidity is a marked contrast to last season, though the shadow of an eighth-place finish looms large.
Ten Hag’s Dilemma
While Ten Hag maintains that his team is improving and that issues are temporary, the stakes are high. Time may be on his side for now, but consistent underperformance could quickly change that narrative. “We are very ambitious, and with ambition comes the need to perform,” he said.
With crucial matches ahead, United must find their footing and prove that the optimism of summer wasn’t misplaced.