In the wake of Manchester United’s latest defeat, manager Erik ten Hag’s frustrations mounted as his team once again faltered in front of goal, failing to capitalise on a strong start before losing 2-1 to West Ham United.
A last-minute penalty conceded after a lengthy VAR review overturned the initial call drove United to their fourth Premier League defeat of the season, intensifying the scrutiny on ten Hag’s tenure.
A Chaotic Defense and Costly Missed Chances
The phrase "backyard papers ready to be blown away" seems fitting for United’s fragile display at London Stadium, where a lack of defensive solidity and clinical edge cost them dearly.
United’s inability to convert numerous first-half chances – with Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot, and Bruno Fernandes all coming close – epitomised a team out of sync, echoing ten Hag’s critique. As he lamented, "Six or seven 100 per cent chances we should have scored," a familiar pattern of wastefulness revealed itself, one that currently sees the Red Devils with the Premier League’s third-lowest goal tally this season.
VAR Controversy Clouds Ten Hag’s Side
After Matthijs de Ligt’s late challenge on Danny Ings led to a controversial penalty decision, ten Hag was visibly incensed, calling the decision “unfair and unjust.” The Premier League explained that the VAR decision came after “sufficient contact” was deemed to have been made on Ings, leaving ten Hag to grapple with yet another judgment that he believes has adversely affected his team’s fortunes.
But think about it, the same Premier League that does not know their left from right. This was, in ten Hag's words, the third time this season he has felt his team was dealt an unfair hand by officiating.
What Lies Ahead for Ten Hag?
As United find themselves in 14th place with only three wins in nine games, ten Hag’s future is under intense pressure. While United’s management have refrained from publicly addressing his position, the club's dwindling results raise questions.
Former players and pundits alike are beginning to doubt whether ten Hag can salvage the season without a radical turnaround in performance.
For ten Hag, this was a game that symbolised United’s season thus far: chaotic defence, squandered chances, and a failure to hold ground under pressure. As United’s performance wavers, fans are coming to realise that the team may not rediscover the resilience needed to restore the club's former dominance. It seems they will continue to drift, as fragile as papers caught in the wind.
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