United’s Negative Records Under Erik ten Hag: A Look at the Struggles

Sports Top Stories
Francis Blessing
October 28, 2024
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Credit: The Times

Erik ten Hag’s time as Manchester United manager began with hope but quickly turned into a series of disappointing performances that set new lows for the club. Despite some success, including a Carabao Cup win, ten Hag’s tenure is marked by a collection of negative records and outcomes that ultimately led to his dismissal.

United have won four of their 14 games in all competitions so far this season and played a damaging 3-0 losses against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. They have gotten 11 points from nine matches in the Premier League, which is a far off target for the club to achieve their goal of a fourth-place finish.

“Three years [Ten Hag has] been at the club and, yes, he’s won two trophies. When you’re the manager of United, what people expect from you is to win the league every year.

“We need to stop talking about the past. This is not the United it used to be. We have to rebuild it.” Patrice Evra on Ten Hag via BBC Sports

Here’s a closer look at some of the unwanted records and struggles under his leadership.

1. Worst Premier League Start Since 1989

Last season, United’s league performance reached a 34-year low, with the team losing four of their first seven league games, a tally they hadn’t seen since 1989. Even more concerning, United ended the season ranked 14th in the league, an unusually low position for a club with United’s reputation and expectations. Defensive issues contributed to this record, with the team conceding multiple goals in four consecutive matches, marking the first time since 1979 that United experienced such a stretch in the league.

2. European Struggles

In last season’s Champions League, United faced back-to-back defeats in their opening group games, including a home loss to Galatasaray. Not only was this Galatasaray’s first win on English soil, but United also conceded seven goals across these two games, the highest number they have ever allowed in the opening group stage games of the Champions League.

The club’s record in this season’s Europa league has not been a good one also, as fans stay disappointed following the two draws against Porto and Fenerbahce.

3. Defensive Records at Old Trafford

Last season, United’s defensive weaknesses became obvious, especially at Old Trafford. In their opening match against Wolves, they allowed an unprecedented 23 shots on target, the most recorded in a Premier League home game for United. Later, they suffered a 3-1 loss to Brighton, who achieved back-to-back wins at Old Trafford for the first time in United’s history. Additionally, in a win over Nottingham Forest, United conceded two goals in the first four minutes, marking the first time this has ever happened to them at Old Trafford in Premier League history.

4. Humiliating 7-0 Loss to Liverpool

The 7-0 defeat at Anfield to Liverpool was arguably the most embarrassing moment of ten Hag’s tenure. This loss was United’s heaviest defeat to Liverpool and equaled their worst-ever loss in the Premier League. The game quickly went viral for its shock value and highlighted the team’s lack of focus and resilience on the field.

5. Losing Streaks Across Competitions

Under ten Hag’s management, United started a season with six losses in their first ten games across all competitions. This poor form included three consecutive matches in which United allowed three or more goals, This is a defensive slump not seen since 1978. This losing streak contributed significantly to the pressure on ten Hag, eventually leading to his departure

Though Ten Hag did see some success during his tenure, including a Carabao Cup victory, these records illustrate the struggles United faced under his leadership. With United now in search of a new manager, the club aims to turn a page on these disappointments and bring stability back to Old Trafford.