Manchester United fans have erupted in outrage following yet another dismal performance, this time against Tottenham Hotspur, which has led to widespread calls for Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. The fury stems from a disastrous start to the match that saw United fall behind within just three minutes, before further chaos unfolded when captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off. For many supporters, this marked the tipping point in what has been a deeply frustrating period under the Dutchman’s leadership.
From the opening whistle, Manchester United looked disjointed and unable to cope with the intensity of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side. Within moments, the visitors found themselves a goal down as Brennan Johnson calmly slotted in Mickey van de Ven’s low cross, exposing United’s defensive frailties. The early blow seemed to knock the wind out of the Red Devils, who struggled to recover any semblance of control in the game. To make matters worse, things went from bad to catastrophic when Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card for an ill-advised kick on Spurs playmaker James Maddison. What started as a poor performance quickly spiraled into a nightmare.
With United reduced to ten men and already chasing the game, the second half offered little respite. Tottenham, sensing their opponents’ vulnerability, turned up the pressure. Dejan Kulusevski added to United’s misery by scoring a second goal, further widening the gap between the two teams. By this point, the Manchester United fans had seen enough. Discontent boiled over in the stands, with sections of the away supporters chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning,” aimed squarely at Ten Hag. The sentiment was unmistakable—frustration with the manager had reached fever pitch.
Even before halftime, some fans had begun expressing their dissatisfaction with Ten Hag’s reign. Many had lost patience with what they saw as a series of tactical blunders and poor player management that had left the team rudderless. On social media, the reaction was swift and scathing. One fan lamented United’s lack of a coherent tactical identity, suggesting that the team needed to embrace a “dark arts coach” to instill a more aggressive, streetwise style of play that could help them compete in tough matches. This suggestion reflected a growing belief among some supporters that United’s players lacked the grit and tenacity necessary to succeed at the highest level.
Others were less focused on strategy and more critical of Ten Hag’s overall approach to the squad. Several fans took aim at his handling of players, accusing him of failing to maximize the potential of key individuals. A common critique was that Ten Hag’s tactical setup left the team disjointed and ill-prepared for high-pressure matches, with one fan pointing out that the players looked “ill-disciplined” and “running around like headless chickens.” This comment captured the sense of chaos that many felt characterized United’s performances of late, with players seemingly unsure of their roles and responsibilities on the pitch.
As frustration grew, some fans began questioning when the club’s hierarchy would step in and take decisive action. One supporter bluntly asked when Manchester United would finally acknowledge that Erik ten Hag was incapable of turning things around at Old Trafford. The growing sentiment among a section of the fanbase was that Ten Hag’s time was up, and it was only a matter of time before the club looked elsewhere for leadership.
The dissatisfaction isn’t just about the results but also the manner in which United have been losing. The lack of fight, organization, and clarity on the pitch has left fans feeling disconnected from the team. For a club that prides itself on attacking football and high standards, the current state of affairs under Ten Hag has been a bitter pill to swallow. His inability to bring out the best in a squad filled with talent is becoming a central talking point, and fans are growing increasingly vocal in their belief that a change is needed.
As United lurch from one disappointing performance to the next, the pressure on Ten Hag continues to mount. The chants from the stands and the backlash online serve as a stark reminder that, in football, time is often in short supply—especially at a club with the history and expectations of Manchester United. The fans have made their feelings clear: unless there is a drastic improvement, Erik ten Hag could soon find himself
out of a job.