Erik ten Hag, Manchester United's beleaguered manager, faced a scathing defeat on Saturday as Bournemouth scripted history with their first-ever victory at Old Trafford, stunning the home side with a commanding 3-0 win. The humiliating loss raised significant concerns about the array of problems threatening to derail United's season.
Just days after a spirited victory over Chelsea that revitalized their hopes for a top-four finish, United's inconsistent form resurfaced, leading to a lackluster performance against Bournemouth. Goals from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing, and Marcos Senesi sealed the historic win for the visitors, prompting boos from the disappointed home crowd.
Ten Hag, under increasing pressure in his troubled second season as United boss, didn't mince words in his assessment of the team's lackluster display. "Of course, annoyed and disappointed, definitely. I expected something different," he said. The Dutchman expressed disappointment in the team's inability to maintain consistency, especially following a positive result against Chelsea.
With 35 home league defeats since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, the pressure on Ten Hag is mounting. The former Ajax boss acknowledged his role in the team's 11th defeat this season but raised concerns about the squad's overall consistency.
“We are really inconsistent. We have the abilities to do it, but you have to do it every game and every third day," Ten Hag admitted. "I think as a squad we are not good enough to be consistent, and we have to work as a squad to improve that."
This admission comes amid reports of discontent among United players, though Ten Hag denied these claims. As the team sits in sixth place, a crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich awaits, with hopes of advancing to the last 16 hanging in the balance. Following that, a challenging Premier League fixture against in-form Liverpool awaits, intensifying the need for immediate improvement.
"As a group, we have to improve. That’s a fact. We have to get tougher, that we are ready for the game and from the start," urged Ten Hag, emphasizing the importance of consistency in a league as demanding as the Premier League.
The spotlight now firmly on Ten Hag and his squad, they face a pivotal period that could define the trajectory of their season and the manager's future at the helm of Manchester United
