According to sources, Erik ten Hag is struggling to keep the Manchester United locker room on his side after suffering the club’s tenth defeat of the season. On Saturday, United lost 1-0 to Newcastle United, but the visitors’ lackluster performance at St James’ Park raised more concerns than the scoreline.
Ten Hag had a successful debut season, breaking the club’s six-year trophy drought with the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League, sealing a return to the Champions League.
United only lost twice at Old Trafford, launching a 31-game unbeaten home streak that has continued into this season.
More recently, Ten Hag equaled Ernest Mangnall’s 118-year record by winning his first 50 games as Red Devils manager in just 79 games.
However, the big picture cannot always triumph over the realities of the moment. And the reality is that United have appeared to be preparing for a fifth failed manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.
With one game remaining in their Champions League group, United are seventh in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.
They won’t even be relegated to the Europa League if they lose at Old Trafford to Bayern Munich, who are unbeaten in 39 group-stage games.
In the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, United were defeated 3-0 at home by Newcastle United in a replay of the February final.
Ten Hag is now in danger of regressing in his second season at Old Trafford, and it’s apparently taking its toll on the team.
According to ESPN, the Dutchman is fighting to keep his squad on his side, with two players privately complaining.
Ten Hag’s hard training practices since the club’s pre-season tour of the United States have been deemed serious.
They could be linked to United’s ongoing injury problems this season. More than 20 senior players have missed at least one game due to injury or illness.
According to the report, Ten Hag’s tactics were deemed careless by a portion of his players due to how exposed the team was to shots on goal.
Ten Hag has taken attempts to restore his players’ faith after instituting tough discipline during his first 18 months in charge.
Despite his dismal performances, he is claimed to have made an attempt to publicly defend players such as Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford.
With Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Aston Villa all on the horizon this month, Ten Hag’s toughest challenge will be to ensure that outcomes improve before the situation worsens.