The recent performances of Manchester United under the management of Erik ten Hag have raised serious concerns about the team’s defensive capabilities. The embarrassing defeat at the hands of Chelsea highlighted the lack of organization, composure, and structure in their gameplay. Despite individual talent going forward, their inability to prevent opponents from peppering their goal with shots has become a glaring issue.
United’s defensive woes are not a one-off occurrence but a recurring problem that has plagued them throughout the season. Conceding an alarming number of shots in almost every game, they have shown a lack of discipline without the ball. Allowing teams like Brentford, Liverpool, and Everton to freely attack their goal puts immense pressure on their goalkeeper and exposes their vulnerabilities at the back.
An Unsustainable Trend
The statistics speak for themselves, with United conceding over 20 shots in seven of their last eight Premier League games. This unsustainable trend has resulted in them having the highest number of shots conceded in the league. Despite occasional victories, such as the one against Liverpool in the FA Cup, these performances are far from being a blueprint for success in the long run.
While Ten Hag tried to deflect criticism by citing previous defensive rankings, it is clear that United’s defensive frailties have been severely exposed. The inability to close out games, as evidenced by the late defeat to Chelsea, is a reflection of the lack of accountability within the team. Pochettino, on the other hand, was honest in his assessment, urging his players to do the basics properly and take responsibility for their performances.
It is evident that drastic changes are needed within the Manchester United camp to address their defensive shortcomings. The reliance on individual brilliance going forward is no longer sufficient to cover up their deficiencies at the back. The inconsistency in their performances and the inability to hold on to leads have put their Champions League hopes in jeopardy.
Manchester United’s defensive woes have reached a critical point that requires immediate attention. The lack of organization, discipline, and composure at the back has cost them dearly in crucial matches. Unless significant changes are made to address these issues, their aspirations for success will continue to fade away. It is time for the team to take a hard look at themselves and make the necessary adjustments to avoid further humiliation on the field.