In the current season, Manchester United faces substantial hurdles, finding themselves in eighth place with a disappointing goal difference. Their recent 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford has raised concerns about their manager, Erik ten Hag. Additionally, the spotlight is on star player Bruno Fernandes, with former United captain Roy Keane suggesting a change in captaincy might be in order.
Managerial Uncertainty
Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United’s manager is under increasing scrutiny after the humiliating loss to Manchester City. Fans and experts are questioning whether he is the right person to lead the team, and the pressure on him continues to grow with each loss.
Fernandes’ Captaincy for Manchester
The current team captain, Bruno Fernandes, is also facing criticism. Roy Keane, a former United captain, has publicly suggested that Fernandes should be relieved of the captaincy, citing concerns about his leadership and ability to inspire the team during tough times.
Manchester Derby Result
In the recent Manchester Derby held at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag’s United suffered a significant defeat. United losed the match 3-0 to City. Erling Haaland was the standout performer, scoring two goals. While, Phil Foden added another to City’s tally. Notably, Haaland received a high rating of 9.2 from FotMob for his outstanding performance.
League Standings
Following this defeat, United finds itself in 8th place on the league table with a total of 15 points.
The loss raised several questions among football pundits about the United manager, Erik ten Hag. The overall performance of the Manchester United team was also poor.
On the other hand, Manchester City dominated the derby match and secured a vital victory. This win allowed Arsenal to move up to the 3rd position in the league standings, with 24 points. Both City and City are now just 2 points behind the table topper, Tottenham.
Fernandes’ instead of English Midfielders
Furthermore, journalist Samuel Luckhurst pointed out that Manchester United refrained from pursuing English midfielders like Maddison.
“James Maddison, one of Mount’s peers, has been the best player in the Premier League this season, Declan Rice has been one of the best and Jude Bellingham is the best in the world. United did not go near any of those England midfielders,” wrote Luckhurst.
Manchester United is navigating a challenging season, both on and off the field. However, Disappointing results, managerial uncertainties, and the scrutiny surrounding Bruno Fernandes’ captaincy have created a turbulent atmosphere. Also, the club’s decision-making regarding midfielders like Maddison, Rice, and Bellingham has sparked discussions about the team’s long-term strategy. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Manchester United will address these issues and work toward a more promising future, with a focus on improving their current standing.
