Manchester United’s season has been filled with frustrating performances, and the latest statistics further highlight their struggles. When evaluating the team’s attacking output through the lens of expected goals (xG), the total stands at a disappointing 50.36. This number, by all accounts, is underwhelming for a club of United’s stature. What makes it even more concerning is that their xG places them behind teams like Everton, a side embroiled in a battle for Premier League survival. For a club aiming to compete with the elite, this paints a grim picture of their offensive inefficiency.
The bleakness doesn’t end there. In addition to their underperformance in front of goal, tactical decisions made during matches have come under scrutiny. One such decision that raised eyebrows occurred during Manchester United’s semi-final at Wembley. As Coventry City began to stage a comeback, manager Erik ten Hag made a critical substitution, opting to replace the young and energetic Alejandro Garnacho with the out-of-form Antony. At the time, Coventry was gaining momentum, and Garnacho’s removal from the game signaled a pivotal turning point. Moments later, with the scoreline sitting at 3-1, Ten Hag made another questionable choice, substituting the promising Kobbie Mainoo for the more experienced, but less dynamic, Christian Eriksen.
These substitutions have led to serious concerns regarding Ten Hag’s in-game management. Both Garnacho and Mainoo had been two of United’s brightest sparks in what has been a turbulent season. Their withdrawal seemed to signal a retreat into a more conservative approach, one that ultimately failed to stem Coventry’s resurgence. The introduction of Omari Forson and Amad Diallo in extra time came too late to make a meaningful impact on the game, adding to the frustration of supporters and pundits alike.
The pressure on Erik ten Hag, which had already been mounting prior to this match, has now reached a fever pitch. Criticism of his tactics and decision-making is growing louder, with many questioning whether he has the tactical acumen to guide Manchester United back to the top. In fact, local media has been particularly harsh in their assessment. Samuel Luckhurst, a journalist for the Manchester Evening News, rated Ten Hag’s performance in the semi-final a mere 1/10. While such a rating might seem overly severe to some, it reflects the deep dissatisfaction surrounding the Dutchman’s recent managerial choices.
The broader concern for Manchester United is the growing gap between them and the Premier League’s leading teams. Once perennial contenders for titles, United now find themselves lagging behind not just in terms of points but in quality, cohesion, and ambition. Their inability to protect leads, combined with questionable substitutions and tactical inconsistencies, suggests that the issues run deeper than just player performances. The discontent among the fanbase is palpable, and the club’s hierarchy will be watching closely as the season progresses.
With each passing match, Erik ten Hag’s position becomes increasingly precarious. His decisions are being dissected more intensely, and the margin for error is shrinking. As the team falters, the spotlight on his tenure becomes ever harsher. Whether he can turn things around remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Manchester United’s downward trajectory is worrying, and unless there is a significant shift in form, both Ten Hag and the club may face an even more turbulent future.