Manchester United’s style of play has come under serious criticism in recent weeks as Erik ten Hag’s side struggle to dominate games.
2024 has been a mixed bag so far for Erik ten Hag, with a solid unbeaten run being ended by back-to-back defeats.
Manchester United may have been winning games through January and most of February but ultimately, the performances weren’t improving and the return to losses seemed inevitable.
Now, ahead of an important few weeks for United and Ten Hag which could prove deciding in whether or not Ineos keep the Dutchman in charge, as various reports link other managers to United, such as Roberto De Zerbi and Thiago Motta.
Gary Neville has now had his say on the recent performances of United and it’s safe to say, he isn’t impressed.
Gary Neville isn’t happy with how Erik ten Hag’s got Manchester United playing
Speaking during The Overlap’s fan debate, Gary Neville expressed his utter disbelief over how badly Ten Hag has his United side playing.
“I’m absolutely bemused, like bewildered as to how we can’t play football under Ten Hag.
“I can’t believe it, because obviously, you see his football he’s played when he’s been at a previous club, and he’s come in at United and the football [has deteriorated]…
“He actually resorted last week at City when you look back on the game to what Ole did at Tottenham when he sat back to try and get a result. He tried to get a result by any means last week… Why can’t he get a tune out of the football [team].”
Neville has basically stated exactly how a lot of the fanbase is feeling right now, along with the hope that with better structure and an overhaul, Ten Hag could replicate his Ajax football.
Ten Hag needs to at least try to play more dominant football
With the thinking being that Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe won’t make a decision on Ten Hag based on his final league position but if they think he’s the right man for the club, the boss needs to show he is.
Ten Hag needs to begin changing his side’s set-up and try to dominate games such as against Everton which is the perfect opportunity.
It’s hard to see Ineos keeping him unless he shows he at least wants to play progressive football, even if his current players aren’t quite at that level yet.
Ten Hag is on trial right now and therefore he needs to do everything he can to convince the club he’s the right man, something he currently is likely failing to do.