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Erik ten Hag's tenure as Manchester United manager appears increasingly tenuous following this latest setback. The pressure is mounting, with former players such as Robbie Savage asserting, "I think they’ve got to make a big decision this week. I think his time might be up." This defeat has left United languishing in 12th place, a troubling position for a club of their stature.
Critics are scrutinizing not only the results but also the apparent lack of identity in United's play. Jamie Redknapp remarked that the team seemed to possess "no confidence, no identity," [BreakingNews.ie] playing as if they were the visitors. The disjointed nature of the performance raises serious questions about whether Ten Hag can effect a turnaround.
With challenging fixtures looming in both the Premier League and Europa League, Ten Hag's capacity to galvanize his players and implement a coherent game plan will be under intense scrutiny. "The snowball starts to roll down that hill and it gathers apace," [Irish Independent] cautioned Gary Neville, underscoring the urgent need for improvement.
The sending off of Bruno Fernandes just before halftime has ignited debate among fans and pundits alike. While many concur that the decision was harsh, with Fernandes himself stating, "I think it's a clear foul but never a red card," the reality is that United's performance was already faltering prior to the incident.
From the outset, Tottenham asserted their dominance, with Fernandes' dismissal merely exacerbating an already dire situation. "It was an absolutely disgusting performance in that first half," [Oli Gamp, The Mirror] Neville lamented. Even before going down to ten men, United struggled to establish their rhythm, allowing Spurs to control the pace of the match.
With Fernandes now suspended for several pivotal matches, United must adapt swiftly if they are to regain any semblance of form. His absence is anticipated to further complicate an already challenging stretch for the team.
Manchester United's defensive vulnerabilities were starkly exposed against Tottenham, as the team conceded three goals, leaving fans in a state of despondency. "United's collective list of offences was so long that it's difficult to know where to start," [Rob Dawson, ESPN.co.uk] remarked one analyst, emphasizing the lack of organization and discipline throughout the squad.
Gary Neville's frustration was palpable as he noted, "The players probably go and have a meeting themselves tomorrow morning without the manager," [Irish Independent] highlighting the pressing need for accountability among the players. The team's inability to defend effectively, particularly during transitions, has been a recurring issue under Ten Hag's stewardship.
Moreover, the absence of a clear tactical identity has rendered the players seemingly adrift on the pitch. "It’s just madness the positions they sometimes take on the pitch," [Vatsal Gupta, United In Focus - Manchester United FC News] Paul Scholes observed, pointing to deeper systemic issues within the team's structure.