“I have said this multiple times but this is the final straw. Just get him out now before it’s too late” – This is according to Manchester United legend Gary Neville as he claims that Ratcliffe needs to remove a Manchester United figure who performed poorly, scoring just 1 out of 10, in the match against Liverpool. He was just absolutely terrible during the friendly match 😳💔 He needs to be out of our team 😳💔
On Sunday, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, took on the challenging London Marathon, showcasing his impressive endurance and determination. He completed the marathon in an admirable time of four hours and 30 minutes, demonstrating notable physical strength. However, this grueling test of stamina was just the beginning of a demanding day.
Shortly after finishing the marathon, Ratcliffe made his way to Wembley Stadium to watch Manchester United face Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final. The transition from the marathon to the high-stakes football match underscored the relentless pace of his day. Despite his earlier exertion, Ratcliffe was present to see Manchester United clinch a narrow victory, showcasing the team’s resilience under pressure.
This win marks Manchester United’s second consecutive appearance in a final under manager Erik ten Hag, following their triumph in the Carabao Cup last season. While ten Hag initially brought a strong reputation from his successful tenure at Ajax, recent performances have cast doubt on his long-term suitability for the role. Although the team has reached finals, their overall progress seems lacking, particularly in key competitions.
Manchester United’s current situation under ten Hag’s leadership has sparked much debate. Despite the team’s success in reaching the FA Cup final, their overall campaign has been disappointing. They failed to advance past the group stages of the Champions League and currently sit seventh in the Premier League, a significant 16 points away from a top-four finish. For a club with such high expectations, these results fall short of the standard.
The challenges facing Manchester United are numerous and complex. A major concern is their defense, which has conceded seven injury-time goals since February, exposing significant vulnerabilities. This issue goes beyond bad luck and points to deeper strategic flaws. According to Understat, Manchester United has the fifth-worst expected goals against (xGA) in the Premier League, at 63.61. This statistic aligns them with relegation-threatened teams like Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United.
In stark contrast, Arsenal leads the league with the best defensive record, with an xGA of just 25.89. This disparity highlights Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses. Offensively, the team is also underperforming, ranking 12th in the league for expected goals (xG) with a total of 50.36, placing them below even struggling teams like Everton.
These statistics paint a concerning picture for Manchester United. Moreover, ten Hag’s in-game decisions have been questioned. In the semi-final against Coventry, his choice to replace the lively Garnacho with the less effective Antony, and later swap Kobbie Mainoo for the experienced Christian Eriksen, drew criticism. These substitutions appeared to reflect a lack of confidence in some of his most dynamic players and failed to prevent Coventry’s late push.
Criticism of ten Hag’s tactical decisions has been growing. Before the Wembley match, he was already under significant pressure, and the semi-final has only heightened scrutiny. Some, like Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, have harshly rated ten Hag’s management of the semi-final, suggesting his tenure might be nearing its end.
As the gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s top teams widens, questions about the club’s future under ten Hag’s leadership intensify. The new ownership may soon need to make crucial decisions to steer the club back toward success.
