Manchester United, a club once synonymous with dominance, finds itself ensnared in the web of perpetual inconsistency. The rollercoaster of glorious highs, epitomized by a stunning 3-2 comeback against Aston Villa, sharply contrasts with the shoddy lows, exemplified by a lackluster 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Tricky Trees’ victory marked their first over the Red Devils in 29 years, reflecting the tumultuous nature of United’s recent performances.
Many fans attribute this erratic form to the Glazers, asserting that a lack of managerial continuity and a disjointed footballing philosophy have plagued the club. The succession of managers, from David Moyes to Erik ten Hag, has failed to establish a cohesive vision. The repercussions of questionable recruitment decisions, spanning the eras of Angel di Maria to recent acquisitions like Antony and Jadon Sancho, underscore the persistent missteps on and off the pitch.
The ownership’s flawed structure, characterized by the overpromotion of associates into key footballing roles, further exacerbates the crisis. Whether it’s former chief executive Ed Woodward’s misguided approach or the inexperienced football director John Murtough, Manchester United has lacked the necessary framework for success.
Change seems imminent with INEOS poised to acquire a 25% stake in the club, ushering in billionaire Jim Ratcliffe as a sporting decision-maker. Sir Dave Brailsford, leading a comprehensive review, is expected to recommend the appointment of an experienced sporting director, signaling a potential shift in the club’s direction.
However, United’s on-field woes extend beyond ownership concerns. While injuries to key players like Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw have undoubtedly played a role, the team’s struggles run deeper. Manager Erik ten Hag, entrusted with the helm, faces scrutiny for tactical missteps, evident in questionable substitutions and a lack of coherence in the starting lineup.
The tactical indecision reflects in United’s gameplay – a team seemingly unsure of its identity. Despite Ten Hag’s emphasis on transitions, the Red Devils often appear ponderous on the break. The squad, boasting tricky wingers like Antony and direct inside forwards like Marcus Rashford, struggles against low blocks. The midfield lacks character, failing to either retain possession or regain it with urgency.
In his first season, Ten Hag’s vision promised progress, deviating from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s counter-attacking approach. However, the current season has exposed tactical shortcomings, making Solskjaer’s tenure seem more visionary in retrospect.
While some fans advocate patience, recognizing the pitfalls of a revolving managerial door, the question arises: should patience be a shield for consistent underperformance? Last season’s Carabao Cup triumph and a top-four finish feel like distant memories, as United’s quality proves ephemeral even in temporary flashes.
INEOS’ impending involvement provides a respite for Ten Hag, but with Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, the tolerance for poor results and the absence of a playing identity is likely to diminish. As injuries persist and the squad struggles, change looms on the horizon. The question remains whether Ten Hag will be an active participant in this transformation or merely a subject of it. The enigma of Manchester United persists, with the quest for stability and success becoming more urgent than ever.
