“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 formidable challenge of running the London Marathon. His participation in this demanding event showcased his resilience and determination. Ratcliffe completed the marathon in an impressive four hours and 30 minutes, demonstrating exceptional endurance and physical capability. Yet, the marathon’s difficulties were just the beginning of his day.

After finishing the race and taking a brief rest, Ratcliffe quickly moved to his next significant event. Within an hour, he was at Wembley Stadium to watch Manchester United compete against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final. The swift transition from running a marathon to attending a high-stakes football match highlighted the relentless pace of his day. Despite his exhaustion, Ratcliffe saw Manchester United narrowly secure a spot in the final, showcasing the team’s perseverance under pressure.

This marks Manchester United’s second consecutive final under the management of Erik ten Hag. Last season, ten Hag led the team to victory in the Carabao Cup, hinting at his potential as a strong manager. However, recent performances have cast doubt on his long-term suitability. Reaching finals doesn’t necessarily indicate overall progress, as the team faces significant struggles in other areas.

The current state of Manchester United under ten Hag’s leadership is highly debated. When ten Hag arrived in English football, he had a strong reputation from his successful stint at Ajax. However, this season has been far from ideal. Despite reaching the FA Cup final, their overall performance has been disappointing. The team failed to progress beyond the Champions League group stages and is currently seventh in the Premier League, 16 points away from a top-four finish. For a club of Manchester United’s stature, consistently contending for the league title is essential, yet they are falling short.

Manchester United’s problems are complex. One major issue is their defense. Since February, the team has conceded seven goals during injury time, indicating a significant weakness. While some might blame bad luck, the real issue seems to be flawed defensive strategies. According to Understat, Manchester United ranks fifth-worst in the Premier League for expected goals against (xGA), with a concerning total of 63.61. This puts them on par with relegation-battling teams like Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United.

In contrast, Arsenal has the best defensive record in the league, with an xGA of just 25.89. This stark difference highlights Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses. Offensively, the team also struggles. Despite scoring three goals at Wembley, they rank 12th in the league for expected goals (xG), with a total of 50.36, placing them below struggling teams like Everton.

Statistics paint a bleak picture for Manchester United. Additionally, ten Hag’s in-game decision-making has faced criticism. In the semi-final against Coventry, his substitutions were particularly controversial. Replacing the energetic Garnacho with the underperforming Antony, and later substituting Kobbie Mainoo with the experienced Christian Eriksen, raised eyebrows. These changes suggested a lack of confidence in some of his dynamic players and failed to prevent Coventry’s comeback.

Ten Hag’s tactical choices have not gone unnoticed. Before the dramatic match at Wembley, he was already under significant pressure. The semi-final intensified scrutiny, with critics becoming more vocal. Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News harshly rated ten Hag’s handling of the semi-final as 1/10. Such severe criticism, though perhaps extreme, reflects the growing sentiment that ten Hag’s tenure might be nearing its end.

The gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s top teams is widening, raising questions about the club’s future under ten Hag’s management. The new ownership might soon have to make a critical decision regarding his position, as the current trajectory suggests substantial changes are needed to restore Manchester United to its former glory.