Manchester United in crisis: Factors that led to sense of frustration among Red Devils

Manchester United, once a powerhouse in English football, are currently facing a period of turmoil and uncertainty. The team's EFL Cup humiliation at the hands of Newcastle, a side that had made eight changes to their starting XI, have left fans in disbelief. This defeat comes on the heels of a demoralising loss to Manchester City, and as the team's struggles continue to mount, there is growing scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag and a sense of frustration among the supporters.

Defensive Woes

The most glaring issue for Manchester United this season has been their porous defense. The team has conceded a staggering 26 goals in all competitions, with 16 of those coming in the Premier League alone. Their defensive record ranks as the eighth-worst in the top flight, trailing behind clubs like Nottingham Forest, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Brentford. In the recent derby against Manchester City, United allowed an alarming 4.0 expected goals (xG), the second-highest recorded by any Premier League team in a single game this season.

However, the blame cannot be solely placed on the defense. Ten Hag could possibly argue that the team's struggles out of possession, particularly in midfield, have often left the back four exposed. Opponents have frequently exploited the gaps in United's midfield, leaving defenders in one-on-one situations. Injuries have also hit the defensive line hard, with players like Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka missing several games. The absence of players like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, who excel at progressing the ball from the back, has also limited United's ability to build up from defense.

Ten Hag's tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny, as he left Varane out of the lineup against Manchester City, favouring Harry Maguire for his ball-playing abilities. While this approach can help with building from the back, it raises questions about the priority of stopping the Premier League's top scorers, especially given the team's defensive vulnerabilities.

Midfield Struggles

United's midfield has been far from convincing this season. Ten Hag had hoped to field a midfield trio of Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes, but this combination failed to gel. Casemiro's performances have been a cause for concern, as he has shown little of the defensive prowess he displayed at Real Madrid. Fernandes, while talented, has an unorthodox playing style that relies on high-risk passes and struggles when pressured.
 

The confusion surrounding the team's midfield style and personnel choices has hindered United's performance. Ten Hag's decisions, including playing physically-oriented midfielders like Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay or more offensive options like Christian Eriksen, have impacted the team's ability to maintain a balance between defense and chance creation. The purchase of Mason Mount in the summer, only for him not to feature in recent games, has left fans baffled, questioning the club's recruitment department's lack of checks and balances.

Striker Scarcity

United's attacking woes have been equally evident this season. The team has scored only 11 goals in the Premier League, and their struggles in front of goal are evident in their expected goals (xG) figure of 14.7, which highlights their inability to convert chances. Marcus Rashford, one of the club's star attackers, has not found the back of the net since early September, and new signing Rasmus Hojlund is yet to open his Premier League account.

Antony, a high-priced summer signing, has failed to make an impact, registering no assists in the league. Jadon Sancho, once considered a dynamic winger, is currently training alone after a dispute with Ten Hag. Alejandro Garnacho, despite exciting supporters, has been limited to substitute appearances, indicating a lack of trust from the manager. 

Erik ten Hag's Role

Erik ten Hag, who initially arrived at Manchester United to clear up the mess accumulated over the years, is now facing growing criticism for his tactical choices and team management. While injuries and off-field controversies have created unwelcome distractions, questions have arisen regarding Ten Hag's selections and game plans.

Fans are puzzled by the preference for Jonny Evans over Raphael Varane in the Manchester City derby and Antony's continued inclusion in the starting lineup despite poor performances. The lack of accountability for subpar play is a cause for concern among supporters. Ten Hag is well aware that football is a result-oriented business, and the team's run of eight defeats in 15 matches is unacceptable.