Erik Ten Hag’s Decision Sparks Outrage Among Fans: Is He Losing the Plot at Manchester United?
“You took out a player who has finally gotten into form and becoming the player we want him to be, and you sub him off at half-time all because of this stupid reason when you know your job is on the line. I don’t think Erik ten Hag knows what he’s doing at this point.” This sentiment, echoed by countless Manchester United fans after their most recent match, perfectly captures the frustration surrounding Ten Hag’s erratic decisions. It’s not just the fans who are tired of the Dutchman’s inconsistency; sports pundits have also weighed in, expressing doubt over his long-term viability at the club.
The most recent point of contention came during United’s clash with FC Porto in the Champions League. Despite the team’s dire need for a win to bolster their campaign, Ten Hag made the controversial decision to substitute Rasmus Højlund, one of the few bright sparks in United’s struggling squad. Højlund, who has been gradually hitting form, scored twice and gave fans a glimpse of what could be the club’s future. Yet, inexplicably, Ten Hag chose to replace him at halftime, a move that baffled both fans and pundits alike. The explanation offered—tactical adjustment—seemed hollow, given Højlund’s impact in the game.
This isn’t the first time Ten Hag’s decision-making has come under fire. In recent weeks, fans have pointed out his lack of a consistent starting XI. There seems to be no clear first team, no settled formation, and no real game plan other than hoping that luck or a moment of brilliance will salvage results. This constant chopping and changing of personnel has left United devoid of any rhythm or identity, with players looking unsure of their roles.
Sports pundits have been just as critical. Gary Neville, speaking after United’s 3-2 defeat to FC Porto, commented, “It’s chaos. There’s no plan, no strategy. You can’t build a team if every week it’s a different starting eleven.” Former United captain Roy Keane also didn’t mince his words, calling the team “rudderless” and questioning whether Ten Hag has lost the dressing room.
Adding fuel to the fire, rumors have surfaced that the Manchester United board is losing patience with Ten Hag. A decision, sources say, is imminent, with leaks suggesting that if results don’t improve quickly, the Dutchman’s tenure at Old Trafford could be cut short. United’s next few matches, particularly against Brentford and Copenhagen, will likely decide his fate.
With injuries piling up—Lisandro Martinez out until 2024 and Sergio Reguilon still sidelined—Ten Hag has been handed no favors. Yet, fans argue that these issues only expose deeper cracks in his management. The same fans who once hailed him as the man to restore United’s glory are now calling for his head, their patience running thin after inconsistent performances and baffling decisions.
Ten Hag faces a crossroads. If he doesn’t turn things around soon, he may join the growing list of managers who couldn’t return Manchester United to its former heights. As the pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether he can find the consistency that has so far eluded him. One thing is certain: the cloc
k is ticking.