Erik ten Hag is running out of excuses for Manchester United’s poor performances.
The Red Devils put on their worst display of the season on Sunday afternoon and ended up being thumped 3-0 by Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag had plenty of selection options for the Spurs match, and many supporters were excited to see Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes start together for the first time in the Premier League.
One of the main excuses behind United’s poor league performance last season was the injury crisis, but there has been very little improvement this season despite a near-fully fit squad.
Four of Ten Hag’s summer signings started against Spurs with Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt in defence, Ugarte in midfield and Joshua Zirkzee leading the line.
However, United continue to lack a clear style of play despite the huge investment in players.
Erik ten Hag should have signed Micky van de Ven
One issue last season was that Ten Hag wanted to play a high line defensively but injuries ravaged the defence and made it impossible.
However, with Lisandro Martinez back fit and De Ligt signed this summer, change was expected.
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Instead, United’s defence reverted back to the chaotic nature of last season. Meanwhile, they were completely outshone by Tottenham’s defence, especially Micky van de Ven.
Rio Ferdinand was stunned after Van de Ven ran through the ‘whole team’ to set up Brennan Johnson for the opener.
The Dutch defender was a stalwart for the visitors and was deservedly named Player of the Match for his performance.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Tim Sherwood suggested that Van de Ven would have been a better signing than De Ligt to play to Ten Hag’s style.
“He (Erik ten Hag) talked about not having the personnel last year to play higher up the field, so we are going to have to defend deep,” Sherwood said.
“And then he signed De Ligt. Micky van de Ven should have been his signing to get them up the pitch.”
Van de Ven joined Tottenham in a £43m deal in 2023, although his value would have skyrocketed sinc ethen after his impressive start in North London.
Personnel is not the problem
Manchester United fans are quickly learning this season that the personnel is not the issue. Regardless of who plays where and what signings are made, United continue to lack a clear identity under Ten Hag.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance on sacking Ten Hag has not changed, but if the Dutchman is not able to piece together some convincing performances then he will soon be given his marching orders.
Ten Hag was initially brought in to try and implement the high-energy pressing style that was so loved at Ajax, but it has simply not happened at United.
The gap between midfield and defence has been a recurring problem that has not been solved. It doesn’t matter if United signed De Ligt, Van de Ven or anyone for that matter – it is down to Ten Hag to fix the system first.