After a poor start to the Premier League season Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag as manager after just over 2 years in charge.
After what looked like a positive summer in the transfer window under the new INEOS control, United have been far from positive in the all competitions and that was compounded on Sunday with their fourth Premier League defeat of the season away at West Ham.
United looked good in the first half, but as been the story of their season they failed to convert any of the plethora of chances created. Alejandro Garnacho had a shot rattle the crossbar in the early stages meanwhile Diogo Dalot missed an all-time sitter after he nudged the ball pass an on-running Lukasz Fabianski and with no one in the goal somehow blazed his shot over the bar.
They would be left to rue those missed chances in the second half as West Ham took the lead with just over 15 minutes left as Crysencio Summerville was able to turn in a Danny Ings shot into the goal.
That lead didn't last long as Casemiro was finally able to convert a header from short range as it looked like United may get away from the London Stadium with a point.
However in what was a very controversial decision West Ham were awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR review deemed that Matthijs de Ligt fouled Ings in the box. Jarrod Bowen stepped up and squeezed the ball past André Onana to give the Hammers victory in what was ultimately Erik ten Hag's last game in charge of Manchester United.
Gary Neville Believes The Writing Was On The Wall For Erik Ten Hag
Speaking on the phone with Sky Sports News moments after the sacking was announced, Gary Neville gave what he thought were the biggest problems for Erik ten Hag during his tenure at Old Trafford.
I think the lack of identity and style has been a mystery for the last two and a half seasons really because let's say the recruitment has been poor, which I don't think it's always been the best at United for a long stretch, it's been awful at times, but I do believe that there's a group of players there that can play a lot better than they have.
I was shocked to see Eriksen and Casemiro again and Ugarte on the bench. But Ugarte was brought in as being a sort of successor to Casemiro and it's not started brilliantly for him but I think things like that, if I was an owner I'd be saying "Well hang on a minute, these two midfield options are getting on in age and you got a lad that's been brought in for £40 million who's got legs" I'd be asking questions around that as an owner.
I think the lack of style of play has been a problem and a lack of progression in the performance levels, it's a real struggle watching United play and that's not changed in the last 18 months.
"I would be asking questions about that, as an owner."
Gary Neville says that Manchester United have 'lacked' identity and style over the last two seasons 😮 pic.twitter.com/CiRsTWFrMD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 28, 2024
The writing was already on the wall for Erik ten Hag as Neville had already spoken on his podcast about United's poor start and how ten Hag would be in serious trouble if they lost their next Premier League game at home to Chelsea next Sunday.
He's asking for trouble Erik ten Hag, he's 14th in the league with 9 games played and 9 game in, I know it's the start of the season but you're 25% of season gone.
I always feel that a team that is half decent and can play will beat this United team. Anybody that is half decent, can play and can put the shoulders up and got the quality, which Chelsea have got the quality in parts of the pitch and they [Manchester United] are in danger.
I don't think there can be another defeat next Sunday at Old Trafford, I genuinely don't. I think that it's getting to that point now where there is a real worry. I'm worried because of the lack of goals, the lack of performances, it's stacking up week after week.
🗣️ "Anybody that is half-decent will beat this United team"
Gary Neville says Erik ten Hag is asking for trouble 😬 pic.twitter.com/pm8TQVPeh8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Ruud van Nistelrooy has come in interim charge of the first team now and he has a mighty job on his hands if he is to steer the ship back in a positive direction.
