It seems like Erik ten Hag has endless problems at Old Trafford and matters get worse with every defeat.
Although there is nothing to suggest the Dutchman is on the verge of being axed, we would be lying if we said Ten Hag wasn’t under mounting pressure due to United’s form.
United should be committed and we need to break out of the managerial cycle that existed when Ed Woodward was chief executive. I suspect the club will make any knee-jerk decisions and I honestly believe the Glazers couldn’t afford to sack Ten Hag either way.
I admire how the manager doesn’t make excuses for injuries or off-pitch problems that surround the club. Not to mention the ongoing takeover process, which is taking far too long for my liking as the Glazers continue to strip away at our club’s reputation.
There is a worry that Ten Hag could lose the dressing room. That is not being reported (yet) but The Independent has been told that the atmosphere inside the dressing room and among general staff is now “toxic” which doesn’t bode well for the season ahead.
United have already started the season abysmally with six defeats in our first 10 games. It’s going to get a lot worse unless Ten Hag can find a way to pick up the players.
The same article – by Miguel Delaney – states that while it is wrong to say Ten Hag has “lost the dressing room,” he is at a fraught point where any connection with the current team is in danger of being broken.
There’s a belief some players have privately complained that Ten Hag “isn’t exactly warm” at a time he needs to be harsher on them.
From where I’m sat it looks like too many players because this sort of form is acceptable and don’t expect any form of consequences.
The fact toxic atmospheres long preceded Ten Hag would suggest that he isn’t the problem here. For once in their careers, the players need to look at themselves.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
First off: define ‘toxic’ ( as used by The Indie, not its literal definition ) Who’s p*ssed off? With whom are they p*ssed off? And are they important team-members whose opinion counts and who need to be not p*ssed off? Never forget the commercial value of ‘clicks’ – especially United clicks – although tbf The indie is one of our better papers, along with the Graun.
“ Ten Hag isn’t warm “. Well, boo hoo, neither was Fergie. What are these players ( if they exist ) expecting when they turn in yet another poor performance; often occasioned by yet another collapse shortly after scoring? Warm hugs, pat on the back, ne’er mind, eh, you tried your best?
I seem to recall an story during the Wenger years when Arsenal got their season back on track after the players sat down together, took full responsibility for the way they were playing, and decided to do something about it.
Some of that attitude at O.T. would not go amiss.