What has happened at Manchester United over the past few weeks, few would have predicted following a decent pre-season.
The Red Devils had appeared rejuvenated under Erik ten Hag, but as soon as official games came along, they crumbled under the pressure, first losing to Brighton & Hove Albion before being dismantled by Brentford.
With a game against Liverpool right around the corner, some are already questioning various decisions made at Manchester United, with Algemeen Dagblad’s Hugo Borst taking direct aim at the manager.
First looking at the decision to go after Cody Gakpo (‘the boy is not yet ready’), the columnist then mentions that he hopes Ten Hag makes it ‘through the autumn holidays’ at Old Trafford.
He adds, relayed by PSV Fans: “The man has delivered craftsmanship for Ajax by modeling two wonderful teams and winning prizes. But why was he in such a hurry after Ajax? Why no sabbatical? Why didn’t his agent protect him from the sick club Manchester United?”
“Why did Ten Hag ignore the compelling advice (DO NOT!!!) from Louis van Gaal? Why did Ten Hag not take Van der Sar as (technical) director? It must have been pure overconfidence. We are witnessing a royal drama, the stupidest move ever made by a Dutch top trainer. Bad, this is very bad for the international reputation of the Dutch trainers guild.”
It’s worth pointing out that despite a bad start, there are 36 games left in the Premier League season, and Arsenal managed to finish fifth last season despite losing their opening three fixtures.
That’s not to say Ten Hag will do exactly the same at Manchester United, but there is still time for him to turn things around, especially with a few extra players likely on their way to Old Trafford.
Time will tell whether the Dutchman ends up being a Red Devils hero, but it’s fair to say, as Borst points out, it hasn’t exactly started in the best manner following a bunch of warnings.
