Image Credit: Кирилл Венедиктов
In a turn of events that no one saw coming, Manchester United's euphoria from Erik ten Hag's recent Manager of the Month award quickly turned to despair as the Red Devils suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
The embarrassment was palpable as Bournemouth ran rampant, securing a well-deserved victory that marked Manchester United's seventh Premier League defeat this season. The loss raised serious questions about Ten Hag's leadership, despite his recent accolade.
Gary Lineker, never one to shy away from a provocative comment, wasted no time in adding fuel to the fire. On social media platform X, Lineker quipped, "Has anyone ever won manager of the month and lost their job in the same weekend?" The question resonated among football enthusiasts, hinting at the precarious situation Ten Hag now finds himself in.
As the dust settles from the Bournemouth debacle, Ten Hag faces a daunting lineup of fixtures, starting with a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on December 12, 2023. The Dutchman, who had been riding high after a promising 2-1 victory over Chelsea just days earlier, now shoulders the weight of the team's dismal home performance.
United's upcoming Premier League match against Luton on December 16, 2023, looms large, adding further pressure to Ten Hag's already precarious position. The absence of captain Bruno Fernandes, sidelined due to suspension, compounds the team's challenges as they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield, where memories of a devastating 7-0 defeat in March still linger.
A stark statistic further underscores Manchester United's struggles, revealing that they have now lost more home Premier League matches since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement than they did during his entire 21-season tenure. The daunting reality sets in as Ten Hag grapples with the urgent need for a turnaround.
With Bayern Munich on the horizon, Ten Hag must rally his players for a must-win Champions League clash. The Bavarians, reeling from a 5-1 thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, provide an opportunity for redemption. However, United must not only secure a victory but also rely on a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the group's other game to progress to the last 16.
As the football world watches with bated breath, the coming days will undoubtedly define Erik ten Hag's tenure at Old Trafford, with Lineker's mocking question lingering in the air – a stark reminder of the tumultuous journey that lies ahead for Manchester United
