Manchester United’s Season of Struggles: Erik Ten Hag Under Pressure Amid Woeful Form
It’s safe to say that Manchester United’s 2024/25 season has been nothing short of a disaster so far. Currently languishing in mid-table, the Red Devils have only managed to gather seven points from their first six Premier League matches. This is a far cry from the expectations that surrounded the club at the start of the season, with hopes of competing for titles now seeming like a distant dream. The weight of these underwhelming performances is falling squarely on the shoulders of manager Erik ten Hag, whose position at the club is becoming increasingly tenuous.
The pressure on Ten Hag has been mounting week by week. While his job isn’t officially at risk yet, reports suggest that his tenure at Old Trafford may be hanging by a thread. According to journalist Adam Crafton, the club’s owners are set to meet with the newly appointed football hierarchy following Manchester United’s game against Aston Villa. This meeting could prove pivotal for Ten Hag, as his future at the club may hinge on the team’s performance in this crucial fixture.
The statistics for Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign paint a grim picture of a team that has failed to live up to its potential. The Red Devils have only managed to secure two victories, one against Fulham and another over Southampton. They also scraped a draw against Crystal Palace, but beyond those results, there has been little to celebrate. Their other three league matches have all ended in defeats, leaving United with a meager tally of seven points. These losses have been particularly damaging, not only because of the dropped points but because they have exposed the team’s deep-rooted vulnerabilities.
Manchester United’s first major setback came in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, a match that was decided by a late winner from Joao Pedro. The disappointment from that loss was compounded by a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, a result that sent shockwaves through the fanbase and left questions about the team’s defensive solidity. The situation worsened last weekend when Tottenham Hotspur inflicted yet another 3-0 loss, piling even more pressure on Ten Hag and his players. These consecutive defeats have highlighted just how far Manchester United have fallen behind their rivals this season.
To make matters worse, United’s European campaign has also been underwhelming. In the Europa League, they could only muster draws against FC Twente and Porto. The latter match was particularly lucky for United, as they found themselves trailing 3-2 before Harry Maguire salvaged a point with a stoppage-time header. While the result spared them from further embarrassment, it did little to alleviate the mounting concerns surrounding the team’s form.
A deeper dive into Manchester United’s statistics reveals the extent of their struggles. According to data from Understat, the Red Devils have only scored five goals this season, despite an expected goals (xG) tally of 10.81. This disparity between actual and expected output underscores their inefficiency in front of goal. Before the most recent round of fixtures, only Southampton had scored fewer goals, with just three to their name. This lack of firepower is a significant issue for a team that was once renowned for its attacking prowess.
Looking at Manchester United’s broader Premier League statistics for the season, the numbers offer little encouragement:
Points: 7
Expected points: 8.63
Goals scored: 5
Expected goals (xG): 10.81
Goals conceded: 8
Expected goals conceded (xGA): 13.10
Clean sheets: 3
These figures illustrate a season marred by missed opportunities and defensive frailties. The clean sheet tally of three may appear respectable, but it does little to mask the fact that United have conceded far too many goals, often at critical moments in matches. The expected goals conceded (xGA) of 13.10 suggests that their defense has been porous, allowing far too many high-quality chances.
One player whose performances have been particularly scrutinized is Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine defender, who quickly became a fan favorite following his move to Old Trafford, has endured a difficult start to the 2024/25 season. After an injury-riddled 2023/24 campaign, during which he missed 42 games, Martinez has struggled to rediscover his form. His recent performances have not lived up to the high standards he set in his first season with the club, leading some to question whether he can return to his best.
Martinez’s contribution to Manchester United includes 68 appearances, during which he has scored one goal and provided one assist. He has also been a key part of the defense, helping the team secure 26 clean sheets, including three this season. Despite these positive contributions, there’s no denying that his current form is a far cry from what United fans have come to expect.
Journalist Alex Turk has been particularly critical of Martinez’s performances this season, labeling it a “seriously stinky season.” However, Turk also pointed out that the Argentine defender has been “massively exposed” by Erik ten Hag’s tactics. The manager’s decision to deploy right-back Diogo Dalot in an advanced midfield role during possession has left Martinez with more ground to cover on the left side of the defense. This tactical shift has exposed Martinez’s vulnerabilities, particularly when he is forced to defend wide areas and contend with taller, faster opponents.
At 5 foot 9, Martinez has always faced challenges against taller strikers and center-backs, but his agility and intelligence have usually helped him cope. However, this season, his defensive weaknesses have been magnified, as was evident in Manchester United’s Europa League draw with Porto. Martinez was caught out of position during Porto’s third goal, contributing to a defensive lapse that could have cost United the match.
With Manchester United’s form in freefall and Martinez struggling to perform, Erik ten Hag may be forced to make some difficult decisions. There is speculation that the Dutch manager could drop Martinez for United’s upcoming match against Aston Villa. A spell on the bench might allow Martinez to reset, refocus, and work on regaining his form. For Ten Hag, it could also be an opportunity to experiment with different defensive options, as he looks for solutions to halt United’s decline.
Ultimately, Manchester United’s season is at a crossroads. The upcoming match against Aston Villa could prove to be a pivotal moment for both the team and Erik ten Hag. If the Red Devils can secure a positive result, it may buy Ten Hag some much-needed time to address the issues within the squad. However, another defeat could see the pressure reach unbearable levels, potentially leadi
ng to significant changes at Old Trafford.