Manchester United finds themselves at the bottom of the group stage standings for only the second time in the club’s history, resulting in their failure to qualify for the Europa League,
the second-tier European competition. This setback adds to their disappointment after being eliminated from the Carabao Cup and lagging ten points behind in the Premier League title race.
The team’s performance under Erik Ten Hag’s second season at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, showing signs of regression both in results and on-field performances compared to his first campaign.
Off-field issues, including a potential club sale, conflicts between the coach and players, and the banning of journalists, have overshadowed the season.
Notably, Ten Hag’s handling of conflicts with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, among others, has drawn criticism. Reports of dressing room tension and player discontent have emerged, leading to drastic measures such as banning journalists.
Despite midfielder Scott McTominay’s public support for the manager, concerns remain about the team’s tactical regression and lack of cohesion on the field.
United’s attempt to transition to a possession-based style has not yielded positive results, with players appearing unsure of their roles and struggling to execute the tactical plan effectively.
