After Monday’s 0:4 debacle on the Crystal Palace field, another wave of criticism was directed at Manchester United football coach Erik ten Hag in England. Some former United players and pundits believe the 54-year-old Dutchman should quit the club. The Red Devils are eighth in the Premier League with three rounds to go and are in danger of missing out on the European Cups, but Ten Hag still believes in his team.
Manchester was losing at Selhurst Park from the 12th minute after a goal by Michael Olise, who closed the scoring in the 68th minute. Crystal Palace confirmed their form to claim their fourth win in five matches. United have only beaten the competition’s worst team, Sheffield, in their last seven rounds.
“I prepared the team as best as I could. We gave a bad performance, for which I am responsible. But we will keep fighting, there are still nine points left in the game.” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
Manchester have conceded 81 goals in all competitions this season, which is the most since 1976/77. In the last matches, a big mess, especially in the back rows, is also to blame. Against Crystal Palace, midfielder Casemiro had to step in for the stopper alongside veteran Jonny Evans. “Everyone saw today that we had a lot of problems in defense. We have problems, but we still have to deal with them better.” The Hag pointed out.
While in the first season under the former coach of Ajax Amsterdam, United won the League Cup and took third place in the league, the current year is a disappointment for the famous club. The “Red Devils” have 21 points less than at the end of last season. To participate in the European Cups, to which they have not progressed only once since 1981/82, they must finish in seventh place. They still have a chance in the final of the FA Cup, in which they will be a big outsider in the derby with Manchester City.
“Today is like the final nail in the coffin,” said United club legend Paul Scholes on Premier League Productions. “I thought that with the arrival of new owners, the situation would calm down, that the coach should get a chance for one more year. But now it doesn’t look like that. There was nothing, not even commitment, which is the biggest disappointment.” added the former midfielder.
“In short, he cannot lead the team next season,” said 2001 Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen. “I wonder if management will take the drastic step of recalling Ten Hag now, even if it’s just for the last four games. There’s too much at stake.” said the former player of United, Liverpool or Real Madrid.
“They are one of the worst-led teams in the competition. Even the Manchester Under-23 team wouldn’t lose to Crystal Palace 0-4 after a performance like that.” former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher did not spare criticism.
Manchester suffered their 13th defeat of the league season on Monday, another negative club record in the Premier League era. They are only a score behind seventh-placed Chelsea, but they have a significantly harder draw. In the next round, they host table leader Arsenal, followed by sixth-ranked Newcastle and will end the season in Brighton.
Table
1
Arsenal F.C
36
26
5
5
88 : 28
83
2
Manchester City
35
25
7
3
87 : 33
82
3
Liverpool FC
36
23
9
4
81 : 38
78
4
Aston Villa
36
20
7
9
73 : 53
67
5
Tottenham Hotspur
35
18
6
11
69 : 58
60
6
Newcastle United
35
17
5
13
78 : 56
56
7
Chelsea F.C
35
15
9
11
70 : 59
54
8
Manchester United
35
16
6
13
52 : 55
54
9
West Ham United
36
13
10
13
56 : 70
49
10
AFC Bournemouth
36
13
9
14
52 : 63
48
11
Brighton & Hove Albion
35
12
11
12
53 : 57
47
12
Wolverhampton Wanderers
36
13
7
16
49 : 60
46
13
Fulham F.C
36
12
8
16
51 : 55
44
14
Crystal Palace
36
11
10
15
49 : 57
43
15
Everton F.C
36
12
9
15
38 : 49
37
16
Brentford FC
36
9
9
18
52 : 60
36
17
Nottingham Forest
36
8
9
19
45 : 63
29
18
Luton Town
36
6
8
22
49 : 78
26
19
Burnley F.C
36
5
9
22
39 : 74
24
20
Sheffield United
36
3
7
26
35 : 100
16
