Manchester United: has it improved or stagnated under Ten Hagem?

Expectations have been high since Erik ten Hag joined Manchester United, but so far the club has struggled with unconvincing results. Although some playing indicators have improved, Ten Hag openly admits a key problem that still prevents the team from achieving consistent success.

• A lack of goals is the main problem holding Manchester United back

• Despite some improvements, results remain erratic

• Ten Hag is unhappy with the rate of progress and his patience is running out

After two seasons in charge of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag can look back on several achievements, including winning the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. Even so, the 2024/25 season has got off to a somewhat tepid start, which raises one crucial question.

Have the Red Devils improved since last year? The statistics show that in some areas, yes, but at the same time, serious issues remain that block further progress.

One positive factor is that United have faced fewer shots from opponents this year. While last season they faced one of the worst defensive statistics in the Premier League, this year things have improved and only five teams have faced fewer shots than United.

Lack of goals as the main problem

However, the biggest problem that Erik ten Hag mentions is the lack of goals. United only have five goals in five games in the Premier League, which is very disappointing for a club with such potential. Ten Hag has openly admitted that the team has the ability to create chances but doesn’t use them effectively enough.

Although the Red Devils have signed some promising young forwards. Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee, for example, have not yet been able to fully assert themselves. The coach is frustrated that these young players, on whom the club has bet, have not yet reached the required productivity.

Ten Hag does not deny his impatience and admits he would like to see faster progress. He acknowledges that it takes time for young players to reach their potential, but he also admits that his patience has its limits. In the press release, he mentioned several times two young strikers in particular on whom he had pinned almost all his hopes.

Fans’ expectations vs. reality

While Manchester United fans expected Ten Hag’s tenure to bring about a quick change, the reality is much more complicated. This understandably adds further pressure on Ten Hag.

The coach of the famous English club believes that with time the situation will improve, while continuing to work on the development of young players. But the fans want faster progression and the pressure on the Dutch coach logically increases.

Manchester United is in a phase of transition where short-term setbacks can be part of a long-term growth strategy. However, unless there is improvement in key areas, particularly productivity, the pressure on Ten Hag will continue to mount.

Source: Premier League, X