SBOTOP Manchester United’s Struggles Continue: Defeat to Liverpool Piles Pressure on Erik ten Hag

Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford has left the club reeling and under intense scrutiny. With only three points from their first three Premier League games of the 2024-2025 season, the Red Devils find themselves languishing in 14th place. The crushing loss to their arch-rivals has amplified the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, who is already facing criticism following last season’s disappointing campaign. United’s poor start and Ten Hag’s previous challenges underscore the urgency for a turnaround.

Disastrous Defeat and Current Standing

The latest blow to Manchester United’s ambitions came on September 1, 2024, when they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Liverpool. The defeat was a stark reminder of the gap that still exists between United and their top-six rivals. Liverpool’s dominant performance highlighted the defensive frailties and lack of cohesion that have plagued United this season.

The result leaves Manchester United in a precarious position, sitting 14th in the Premier League table with just three points from a possible nine. This underwhelming start is a far cry from the high expectations that surrounded the club at the beginning of the season. The loss to Liverpool, coupled with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brighton earlier in the season, has cast a shadow over United’s prospects and intensified the scrutiny on Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag Under Pressure After Disappointing Season

Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster since he took charge in 2022. The Dutchman led the team to a respectable fourth-place finish in his first season, but the following year proved to be a challenging one. United’s performance in the 2023-2024 season was marked by inconsistency, culminating in their lowest Premier League finish of the modern era, ending up in eighth place.

The club’s poor showing last season was a significant blow, especially given the high expectations and investment in the squad. Despite the arrival of new players and the backing from the club’s hierarchy, United struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to mount a serious challenge for the top positions. The disappointment of finishing outside the European qualification spots added to the pressure on Ten Hag and raised questions about his future at the helm.

Increased Scrutiny against Ten Hag

The current season’s early struggles have only heightened the scrutiny on Ten Hag. The manager faces mounting criticism from fans and pundits who are concerned about the team’s lack of progress and the failure to address key issues.

Addressing the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, improving midfield stability, and finding a consistent attacking formula are crucial for Ten Hag as he looks to navigate through this challenging period. The manager’s ability to instill a winning mentality and adapt his tactics will be vital in turning the season around and restoring confidence among players and supporters.

Fan Reactions and Club Response

Supporters have expressed their discontent with the team’s performances and the direction of the club. Social media and fan forums are abuzz with discussions about Ten Hag’s future and potential changes. The club’s hierarchy, however, has continued to back Ten Hag publicly. Despite the mounting pressure, there has been no indication of an imminent change in management.