While the problems at Manchester United are ones that were present long before his arrival, it is fair to say that Erik ten Hag has not impressed during his first two games in charge of the club.
The results against Brighton and Brentford were incredibly poor, but the nature of the losses was perhaps even more damning. The were completely outplayed and outfought on both occasions, with the new manager seeming to have had little impact on the team's playing style thus far.
Some of his decisions have also been questionable. The team selection and tactics employed against a physically superior Brentford side were particularly baffling.
Eamon Dunphy slams Erik ten Hag
Of course, it is far too early to make any judgements on Erik ten Hag, but Eamon Dunphy feels that the early signs have been far from promising.
Writing in his column for The Star, the former RTÉ pundit slammed the Dutchman for his approach thus far, most notably in the big money signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
United have one of the most expensive squads in Premier League history, but when Ralf Rangnick said a few months ago that they needed up to 10 new players, he was bang on...
Any United fan who used to sneer at Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a title could be in for a rude awakening. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if United spend even longer in the wilderness.
Erik ten Hag is the latest in a line of United managers that looks the wrong fit. Did he watch the Premier League before agreeing to go to Manchester?
If he did, would he mind telling us of any 5ft 9in centre-halves who’ve ever thrived in England’s top flight?
The signing of Lisandro Martinez sums up the chaos at United. He cost them €65 million, the same as the entire Brentford starting XI on Saturday.
Martinez was hauled ashore at half-time with Brentford 4-0 up and out of sight.
Brentford bullied the 5ft 9in defender. What will the likes of Darwin Nunez, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane do to him?
Ten Hag had managed Martinez at Ajax. They had a relationship and that clearly must have played a part in the player moving to Old Trafford...
Their venture into the summer transfer market has been laughable. Chasing Frenkie de Jong for months like a lovesick teenager. A panic approach for Marko Arnautovic, a 33-year-old plodder who used to play for Stoke City and West Ham.
Losing 4-0 to Brentford has been described as the ultimate low. You ain’t seen nothing yet.
Martinez's physicality was questioned prior to his arrival, with such concerns looking to be founded thus far. He has struggled in each of their opening two fixtures, coming off at halftime against Brentford.
Erik ten Hag will rightly point out that he has not been helped by the club's board, with the current playing squad clearly not suited to his preferred playing style. Further signings will certainly be needed if Manchester United are to avoid a disastrous season.
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