Erik ten Hag has taken Man United as far as he can, INEOS need to do the right thing now | OneFootball

Manchester United went a man down in the first half and suffered an embarrassing 0-3 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

The visitors scored first, through an in-form Brennan Johnson within the first three minutes before two goals in the second half from Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke made the result sure.

It could have been a lot worse but for Andre Onana’s heroics between the posts, who saved three one-on-ones from Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr.

This was the Red Devils’ third loss of the current league campaign and this is their joint worst-start after six games in Premier league history.

United looked clueless right from the start

Long before Bruno Fernandes’ red card in the 42nd minute, the writing was on the wall with the way the visitors started. They scored within three minutes and were on the front foot right from the word go.

And the hosts looked lethargic and were second best to all 50-50 balls and looked well off the pace. Playing at home in a game of this magnitude, the performance begs the question: what did Erik ten Hag do in training before the game?

Spurs pressed from the front while the hosts adopted a mid-block at home! United kept trying to play out from the back but hardly ever managed to do it properly, and fans will wonder what the players do in training and what is the plan here exactly.

Ever since last season, this team looks a disjointed lot with no proper tactics and a lack of a clear gameplan. Sunday’s loss at Old Trafford was their eighth out of 20 games under this manager.

Ange Postecoglou’s side had 24 shots on goal, the most they’ve had in a match this season, more than they had against Coventry and Qarabağ, which just goes to show how dire the 20-time English league champions were on the day.

The writing was on the wall from last season when his chaos ball ruined the season and it seemed like INEOS would do the right thing by parting ways with the former Ajax coach.

But the FA Cup final win meant they kept their faith in him and even backed him with significant signings but nothing has improved.

Things will only get harder for EtH

Add the captain’s absence from three games for a direct red (a harsh one for sure), and Kobbie Mainoo’s injury, things will only get harder.

This manager has taken the club as far as he can take them and to prevent further misery, a change in the dugout is needed as soon as possible.

Or else, forget about returning to the Champions League, a top-half finish might just elude them considering the way this team has played this season.

Ten Hag looks clueless and INEOS have persisted with him long enough. With Aston Villa up next in the league, not too many fans will be optimistic about a positive result.

Dark clouds have gathered over Old Trafford and INEOS know exactly what to do. The ball is in their court.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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