Erik ten Hag has faced heavy criticism on social media after Manchester United were defeated by a high-flying Brighton side. The Seagulls were clinical on their way to a 3-1 win and second consecutive victory at Old Trafford.
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Brighton and Hove Albion 3-1 Man Utd
Ten Hag Faces Social Media Criticism and Boos at Old Trafford
Ten Hag was booed by fans after his decision to withdraw Rasmus Holjund for Anthony Martial in the 64th minute. The Danish forward’s performance on his Old Trafford debut was applauded despite the despair over the head coach’s decision.
Dissent was shown again by the crowd at the full-time whistle, as the Red Devils were jeered after suffering their third defeat in the opening five games of the season – their worst start to a campaign in 33 years
Watch: What Manchester United Need to Learn from Brighton’s Success
Many United fans on social media have been quick to criticise the manager, with one branding him as “out of his depth”, while others have claimed he “can’t change games through in-game management”.
Some have rushed to the defence of Ten Hag, noting that the constant changes of coaches in the last few years has allowed for little improvement to the side and that some key players have failed to perform consistently under several different managers.
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Ten Hag Rejects Crisis Claims
The former Ajax manager was forced to deny that his side was in the midst of a crisis after their loss to Brighton and assured fans that the team could turn their fortunes around:
“It looks like we are unfortunate in this minute. If we stick together, to the plan and rules and principles we will turn this but there is a demand on us definitely.”
“Crisis is not a fair word about where we are. This was not our day. But we have to be very disappointed and very annoyed with ourselves because at United the demand is you win games.
Today, I saw we played well and if you analyse the first half it’s crazy. We started well and created chances”.
Man Utd Tactical Issues Exposed at Old Trafford
A recurring theme from United’s performances last season was their inability to break down sides in slower phases of attacking play, a clear strength of their noisy neighbours Manchester City.
While their Dutch manager’s direct transitional attacks were well suited to the Eredivisie, where teams tend to take pride in possession regardless of their position in the table, it has found mixed success in the Premier League. Once the Seagulls had scored their second goal, United looked clueless in the attacking third of the pitch.
Despite the inclusion of Scott McTominay in the midfield and the shift of Bruno Fernandes to the right wing, it was once again all too easy for their opponents to find gaps in the half-spaces and to run at defenders, resulting in high-value chances.
While fans will hope that new loanee signing Sofyan Amrabat will resolve their problems in the middle of the park the consistent issues on show, despite changes of personnel, demonstrate that this is a clear tactical problem.
United now sit in 13th place with only six points awarded from their opening five games. They are currently behind Nottingham Forest on goal difference and Chelsea could move above the Reds if they are victorious away against Bournemouth on Sunday.
