Ten Hag: Going, going, gone by January

Well, after last week’s performance, we had to mention something! It’d be fair to suggest that United are having a bit of a nightmare. Fans are unhappy, players look unmotivated, and Ten Hag is quickly digging himself an inescapable hole.

New troubles at Old Trafford

If we include preseason, United haven’t won in five. In fact, a draw against Rayo Vallecano - a team that finished 12th in La Liga last season - is about as impressive as it gets. Brighton bullied them on the opening game of the season and I would have loved to have seen the footie odds on Brentford scoring four, and securing their first-ever win, against United, too.

Now, it may still be early days; but, losses as emphatic as those already suffered will have had a huge effect on morale across the team, United’s chances of European football, and trust in Ten Hag’s tactics going forward.

Naturally, the poor performances can’t all be put on Ten Hag’s shoulders and the lack of trust, talent and togetherness across the squad is really starting to show. Currently, McTominay is only consistent at being inconsistent, Rashford can’t find the back of the net, Maguire’s captaincy is being reconsidered, and Ronaldo showed the world his clear lack of respect for Ten Hag at the end of the Brentford game - like i said earlier, the club is in crisis!

Little light at the end of the tunnel

Alongside a disrupted locker room, United’s next five games aren’t exactly a walk in the park. Realistically, we would expect UK online bookmakers to back Ten Hag’s side to bring home three points against Southampton, City, and Palace. However, if they are to have any chance of securing a European spot, United need to get at least a point from both the Liverpool and Arsenal fixtures, too.

It’s also worth mentioning that Man City are just around the corner - I think I'll be hunting down the best betting odds for a Haaland brace in anticipation of that one!

Eredivisie vs Premier League

I’m not here to shun the Eredivisie; however, when compared to the Premier League, I would suggest that Ten Hag has got a far tougher task ahead of him than he may have done should his old Ajax team have suffered a similar start. As mentioned, United face Liverpool and Arsenal in quick succession - two teams that hold a little more stature than the likes of AZ Alkmaar or Groningen.

It’s also important to consider that it’s not just the calibre of teams stacked against Ten Hag, it’s disruptions within his own squad, a lack of support from the United fans, and a legacy to uphold. Personally, I think the problems go back further than Ten Hag but would not be surprised to see him gone by Christmas regardless.  

Can you think of any managers that could save United? Let us know what you think in the comments below!