On Sunday, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who co-owns Manchester United, embarked on the formidable challenge of running the prestigious London Marathon. This grueling event, known for testing the endurance and determination of its participants, saw Ratcliffe crossing the finish line in four hours and 30 minutes. Despite the considerable physical effort required for the marathon, the real test awaited him later that day.
Just one hour after completing the marathon, Ratcliffe found himself at Wembley Stadium, thrust into the high-pressure environment of Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City. The stakes were incredibly high, and the match proved to be a significant test for the team. Despite Manchester United’s strong start, the game highlighted the difficulties faced by their Dutch manager, Erik ten Hag, who made the difficult decision to substitute two of his most dynamic players of the season, Omari Forson and Amad Diallo, during extra time. Unfortunately, this strategic move came too late to turn the tide of the match.
The intense scrutiny on Ten Hag’s performance was already palpable before this pivotal match, but the situation at Wembley intensified the pressure. Criticism of his managerial decisions has reached a crescendo, with Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News delivering a scathing review, rating him a mere 1/10 for his handling of the semi-final. This harsh assessment underscores the growing dissatisfaction with Ten Hag’s approach.
The gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s top contenders is becoming increasingly pronounced, and this narrative vividly portrays the challenging day faced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Completing the marathon was a feat in itself, but the real struggle came with the high-stakes FA Cup semi-final. The match not only underscored Manchester United’s vulnerabilities but also highlighted the ongoing struggles under Ten Hag’s leadership, despite the team’s advancement to the FA Cup final.
Manchester United’s defensive and offensive issues have been glaringly evident, with poor statistics in expected goals against (xGA) and expected goals (xG) reflecting a broader decline under Ten Hag’s management. Criticism has been directed at his questionable substitutions and lack of tactical consistency. This growing discontent suggests that despite recent cup successes, Ten Hag’s tenure might be nearing its end, placing increasing pressure on Manchester United’s new ownership to contemplate a managerial change.