Anfield has not been a favorable venue for Manchester United in recent years, and another substantial defeat there might be the breaking point for fans who, at least for now, are still demonstrating patience with Erik ten Hag.
Read More: Manchester United’s European Struggles: A Tale of Past and Present Despair
Critical Crossroads: The Unsettling Numbers Behind Manchester United’s Recent Struggles Under Erik ten Hag
Several reasons could justify Manchester United fans turning against Erik ten Hag. Following a midweek loss to Bayern Munich that eliminated United from Europe, leaving them without even the consolation of the Europa League, the statistics are alarming.
In all competitions this season, only three teams in Europe’s top five leagues have suffered more losses than United (12), and among Premier League teams, only relegation-threatened Burnley surpasses them in defeats. The 12 losses already equal United’s total from 62 games in the 2022-23 season, and this has occurred within the first 24 games of the 2023-24 season.
For just the second time, United has finished at the bottom of their Champions League group, a feat previously achieved in 2005-06. Adding to their woes, this is only the second instance (the first being in 1996-97) where United has lost two home games in the Champions League group stage, losing to Galatasaray and Juventus. Their concession of 15 goals in the group stage is a record for a Premier League side in a single Champions League group stage.
In the recent loss to Bayern, United’s expected goals were a mere 0.25, ranking as the fourth-lowest by any team in a Champions League game this season, and notably the lowest among home teams. With five total shots, United recorded the second-lowest among teams playing at home, and their single shot from inside the penalty area is the fourth-fewest in the season, tying for the fewest by a home team alongside Leipzig against City.
It’s widely acknowledged that Manchester United has experienced a considerable decline since the Alex Ferguson era, and the recent match against Bayern Munich highlighted the stark reality of their struggles. Despite Thomas Tuchel’s team being the superior side and entering the game as massive favorites, United, in desperate need of a positive outcome, failed to pose any real threat and never appeared likely to score.
Surprisingly, the Old Trafford fanbase has not yet turned against their beleaguered manager. Despite a dismal exit from European competition and little indication that their league performances will improve sufficiently for Champions League qualification or an FA Cup victory – the only competition where they still have a chance – the blame is not directed at Ten Hag.
Fans are directing more of their frustration towards the club’s leadership and underperforming players, sparing the Dutchman from the brunt of their discontent. This dynamic has significantly worked in favor of Ten Hag, possibly contributing to the relatively non-toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford compared to previous managerial tenures, a situation that is crucial for the players’ prospects of a turnaround.
Unpacking Erik ten Hag’s Manager of the Month Honor Amidst Manchester United’s Inconsistent Form
The most perplexing aspect of Ten Hag’s situation is that he received the Premier League Manager of the Month award for November, following a flawless record of three wins without conceding a goal. Leading up to the disappointing 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, Manchester United had secured victories in six of their last eight Premier League matches, with only draws against City at home and Newcastle away marring their record. This successful run had propelled them back into contention for Champions League qualification, placing them level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham and a mere three points behind City.
However, the recent form was far from convincing, particularly considering the setbacks that shattered their Champions League aspirations and a lackluster 3-0 defeat in the EFL Cup at home to Newcastle’s second-string team. Notably, the positive run included narrow one-goal triumphs over struggling Premier League sides Sheffield United and Luton, a historic comeback against Brentford, and a shaky performance saved by a last-minute Bruno Fernandes winner against Fulham.
These circumstances contribute to the precarious nature of United’s season and Ten Hag’s position. Even during a period of winning accolades, they remained just a few games away from the verge of a full-blown crisis.
The prevailing consensus suggests that Ten Hag is currently secure, partly due to the ownership situation and the presence of interim CEO Patrick Stewart. The interim CEO, being in a temporary role for only a month, is unlikely to make a significant decision such as changing the manager.
However, this weekend poses a significant challenge for Ten Hag as United prepares to face arguably the toughest opponent. The team heads to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side currently leading the league and vying for the title.
Battling the Odds: Manchester United’s Formidable Challenge Against In-Form Liverpool
Liverpool boasts an impeccable home record in the Premier League this season, securing seven wins from seven matches, scoring 21 goals, and conceding only five. On the contrary, Manchester United has a respectable away record with four victories out of seven, but they’ve faced setbacks in all three away games against teams that finished in the top nine last season. Expanding the view, United hasn’t clinched a victory in their last 13 Premier League away matches against teams starting the day in the top eight, suffering losses in 10 of those encounters.
Adding to the challenges, United has struggled against their fierce rivals in recent times, losing four out of the last five meetings. During these encounters, they conceded a total of 21 goals while managing to score only four. Noteworthy defeats include scorelines of 7-0, 5-0, 4-0, and 4-2. Although they secured a 2-1 victory in last season’s Old Trafford meeting, a glance at the United lineup on that day suggests a stark contrast, and that win remains their sole triumph in the last 10 encounters against Jürgen Klopp’s side.
The remarkable outcome of the 7-0 defeat at Anfield last season left everyone astonished. United had entered the match riding on the momentum of eight wins and just one defeat in the previous 11 league games. Positioned third in the table, they clung to slim hopes of mounting a comeback in the title race. On the other hand, Liverpool, trailing by 10 points, were merely eager to be part of the discussion for Champions League qualification.
However, Liverpool turned the tide dramatically, running riot and inflicting upon United their joint-heaviest competitive defeat, marking their most significant setback since December 1931.
Manchester United Faces Uphill Battle with a Depleted Squad and the Absence of Key Players
United returns to the venue of their previous defeat with a depleted squad, compounded by a notable lack of confidence. Although there’s a possibility of Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelöf returning from injury, Eriksen and Mount are expected to be lacking in match fitness. Even if they do take the field, their presence won’t fully alleviate the strain caused by other absentees. Following their injuries in the Bayern match, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are unlikely to be available for the upcoming weekend, and captain Bruno Fernandes is set to miss the game due to suspension.
Maguire’s recent performances have underscored his value, culminating in winning the Premier League Player of the Month award last month, alongside Ten Hag’s recognition. Shaw, known for his consistency of performance if not availability, has been a reliable figure among United’s left-backs.
Fernandes, however, presents a significant setback. He stands as one of only seven outfielders in the entire Premier League to have played every minute this season, and he’s the lone outfielder among them who isn’t a center-back. Leading the league with 47 chances created, he’s been involved in 105 open-play shot-ending sequences, more than any other player. Directly contributing to 33% of United’s Premier League goals this season (three goals and three assists), Fernandes holds a pivotal role.
Apart from Scott McTominay (five goals), no other United teammate has played a part in more than three goals. His absence, especially after receiving his fifth booking against Bournemouth, makes this weekend’s already challenging game even more daunting.
United’s Unpredictable Journey: Expectations and Possibilities in the Anfield Showdown
This weekend’s encounter offers Manchester United and Ten Hag a sort of free pass. Expectations for a positive result are low, and excuses are readily prepared in case of another loss. A potential victory, on the other hand, could provide a significant boost in confidence.
Nevertheless, a substantial defeat might be the breaking point for some fans, and the odds are stacked against United. They have failed to score in their last four visits to Anfield, marking their joint-longest streak without an away league goal against any opponent since the 1970s.
The challenge is intensified by facing Mohamed Salah, who is on a remarkable run of 16 consecutive home games with either a goal or assist, fresh off scoring his 200th Liverpool goal. A goal or assist on Sunday would place Salah’s streak as the second-longest in Premier League history, following Alan Shearer for Blackburn from March 1995 to February 1996. Given Salah’s impressive record of 12 goals against United, more than against any other opponent in Liverpool’s history, stopping him will be a formidable task for Ten Hag’s side.
Liverpool’s potent attack this season suggests the potential for another high-scoring match, and if they decide to pile on the misery for United, it could become a matter of damage limitation for Ten Hag to maintain fan support. It’s worth noting that a 3-1 defeat at Anfield almost five years ago marked the end of José Mourinho’s tenure as United manager.
Then again, this season has seen a couple of genuinely promising performances from United, so who knows? Perhaps another surprise is in store on Sunday. After all, if there’s one thing United is, it’s unpredictable.
