Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United is currently grappling with a turbulent start to the Premier League season, marking their worst-ever performance in the competition’s history. The team’s struggles were highlighted by a frustrating 0-0 draw against Aston Villa before the international break, which followed a chaotic 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League. This recent stretch of results has put significant pressure on Ten Hag, who returned to work at Old Trafford on Monday after a brief time away.
The draw with Aston Villa was particularly telling, as it underscored the myriad challenges facing the club this season. Following this game, United’s management convened twice during the international break—once at Old Trafford and again in London. While these meetings were pre-planned, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s attendance at the Villa Park match has led to speculation about the future of Ten Hag. Although no official announcement has been made regarding any changes in management, the lack of clarity surrounding Ten Hag’s position only adds to the mounting tension.
As Ten Hag returned to Carrington, United’s training ground, on Monday, he began preparations for an essential Premier League clash against Brentford. This upcoming match is being described as a must-win for the Red Devils, but the challenge is compounded by a growing injury crisis within the squad, particularly in defense. The team suffered further setbacks in the draw against Aston Villa, with Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui both exiting the match due to injury. In addition, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt were initially benched, leaving the backline looking particularly vulnerable.
With key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also not fully fit, Ten Hag may need to make strategic adjustments. This could mean deploying Martinez or even veteran Jonny Evans at left-back, while the center-back position becomes increasingly tricky. Victor Lindelof, who has yet to start a match this season, may find himself alongside De Ligt in the center of defense. As a result, Diogo Dalot, who has been primarily utilized as a left-back this term, is likely to switch to the right to cover for injuries.
On a brighter note, there is some positive news regarding midfield options. Mason Mount has returned to training after missing the recent draws against Porto and Villa, providing a potential boost to United’s creative output. His return will be crucial as Ten Hag looks to build a more cohesive midfield that can support the attack and shore up defensive responsibilities.
As United prepares for the Brentford match, Ten Hag faces immense pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around. The stakes are high, and a win is vital not just for points but for restoring confidence among players and supporters alike. The next few weeks will be crucial for Ten Hag and his team as they aim to navigate through this difficult phase of the season, ultimately striving to restore Manchester United to its former glory.