Chance for Tuchel?
For world club Manchester United there is only ridicule
September 30, 2024, 6:22 a.m
The situation at Manchester United is getting worse. The world club experienced several low points against Tottenham. For coach Erik ten Hag, the air may become thinner again after the tough abrasion. The visiting fans mock the club.
For coach Erik ten Hag, the coming days at Manchester United may become more uncomfortable again. The pressure on the long-controversial Dutchman is likely to increase after the 0:3 (0:1) defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. The 20-time English football champion and former Champions League winner has now been without a win in three competitive games. “Red Man Walking” was the headline in the tabloid “Sun” in reference to the US film “Dead Man Walking” after the club slipped to twelfth place in the Premier League on Sunday.
Ten Hag said after the defeat against Spurs that he wasn’t worried about his future. Everyone is aware that the development process would take some time. “That’s not good enough,” the 54-year-old admitted. His team has to show resilience and do better in the next game. On Thursday the Red Devils continue in the Europa League at FC Porto in Portugal.
There were several low blows for United against Tottenham on Sunday – and even malice from the opposing fans. After just three minutes, a solo by Micky van de Ven across half the pitch gave the visitors the lead. “It wasn’t good. It’s not possible for one player to dribble through the whole team from behind,” said ten Hag. As a result, his team lost self-confidence. Captain Bruno Fernandes was shown a red card for a foul (42nd), and United conceded two more goals after the break.
When numerous fans left the stadium early, there were comments from the visitors like “Is there a fire drill?” Spurs supporters also chanted that ten Hag would surely be fired the next morning. The coach has been in office since July 2022. Last season, winning the FA Cup saved him from a possible early exit, and now he and his team are directly in the midst of the next crisis. Possible successors have also been discussed for weeks. Thomas Tuchel should be at the top of the list. Former England coach Gareth Southgate as well as Eddie Howe and Simone Inzaghi are also named. Club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy, assistant coach at Old Trafford since mid-July, can also expect to have a chance.
