Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces increasing pressure following a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford, marking the team’s fifth loss in eight matches this season.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces pressure following a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The loss makes it United’s fifth defeat in their last eight matches, raising concern over the team’s form and Ten Hag’s future at the helm.
Manchester United were reduced to 10 men in the first half after captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off, but even before the dismissal, they struggled to keep pace with Tottenham.
The visitors took control early, with Spurs defender Micky van de Ven orchestrating the opening goal in the third minute, echoing defensive lapses United showed in their midweek Europa League draw against FC Twente.
The defeat intensifies scrutiny on Ten Hag, who, despite assembling a squad after a summer review, has seen inconsistent performances this season.
Ten Hag said: “I am not thinking about this.
“We made the decision from a clear review [in the summer] what we have to improve and how we want to construct a squad but we knew it will take some time. We need some time. We are all on one page or in one boat together. The ownership, the staff and the players as well. I don’t have that concern.”
United are now under pressure to respond in upcoming fixtures against FC Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
With the international break approaching, another poor result against Villa could fuel further speculation about Ten Hag’s position as United manager, despite his insistence that he retains the backing of the club’s ownership and players.
The club will hope to reverse its fortunes in what will be a crucial week for both the team and their manager.
“There is always a new game,” he said.
“It will be a new day and it is also obvious you have to learn as a team. It can’t happen twice in four days that a defender can dribble through the whole team. You can’t make such mistakes in football.”
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