EXCLUSIVE: Erik ten Hag is not entirely innocent of Man United current state; it is time for him to cease abandoning responsibility.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is under pressure to enhance his team’s performance following a subpar start to 2024/25. However, there are numerous issues at Old Trafford that are not entirely his responsibility.

It would not be another cracked-badge week at Old Trafford if Manchester United could pass the ball with the same conviction as Erik ten Hag passes the coin.

Three games into the new season, it seems that the sole hope that United supporters have for the remainder of the campaign is that some of the 115 Premier League charges that were levelled at their neighbours, Manchester City, may actually be enforced.‌

The opening day victory over Fulham was not enough to prevent subsequent losses to Brighton and Liverpool. However, the calibre of United’s performances has not provided any indication that Ten Hag will improve upon the eighth-place finish that nearly resulted in his dismissal.‌

The Dutchman maintains that it is not his responsibility to have required two seasons to resolve the issues that were handed down to him after a decade of underperformance.Ten Hag’s argument has some validity.

United’s current state is so dire that they are unable to even maintain the well-being of their supporters. But at some point, there must be more advancement than merely lifting the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.‌

Casemiro was responsible for the demoralising 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. Despite the remarkable accomplishments he has made throughout his career, it is evident that his legs are unable to sustain the intensity of the English game. If United is able to secure a Saudi club that is willing to cover the cost of Casemiro’s £300,000-per-week salary, Sir Jim Ratcliffe would personally transport him to the airport.

Yet, the player he will replace was anchoring the midfield against one of Europe’s finest teams, while CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth were patting themselves on the back ahead of the Liverpool game for not paying Paris St Germain’s £51million asking price for Manuel Ugarte.

Ugarte was acquired by United pursuant to an upfront payment of £42.2 million. The total cost will be £50.7million when add-ons are accounted for. Well done.

Ten Hag is adamant that Harry Potter is the only individual who can guarantee that Ugarte is off to a flying start. However, the Uruguayan’s greatest asset is his ability to prevent opposing teams from engaging in play. He will not serve as the successor to Paul Scholes.

It is possible that the vast voids in United’s midfield could be addressed by playing alongside Ugarte, Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo. However, Ten Hag is then confronted with the challenge of accommodating Bruno Fernandes, his most creative player. Perhaps the Dutchman will have an alternative with the eventual return of both Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw. However, it is unlikely that either player will be immediately available following the international break.‌

Yoro could be employed in a three-man central defence, alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui could be employed as a wing-back on the right, and Shaw could be deployed on the left. This would allow Ten Hag to utilise Fernandes as a No. 10, potentially in conjunction with Joshua Zirkzee and behind Rasmus Hojlund.‌

It would undoubtedly bolster his team’s defensive fortitude. However, the subsequent inquiry would be: How can Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo be integrated?

There is an issue that requires attention: Rashford’s peculiar decline. Rashford’s preference is to operate from a wide position on the left, but he possesses all the necessary tools to be deployed in a central role. It is certain that the 26-year-old is lacking in confidence and could benefit from a period of time away from the firing line.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford as a coach was met with considerable fanfare by United. United have a significant issue if the player who is considered the club’s greatest finisher of the Premier League era is unable to reintroduce the devil into Rashford’s game.

United’s performance is significantly inferior to what it could be. Ten Hag is currently in his third season. It is possible that he did exceed expectations during his initial year at the club. He may be able to spend Christmas in Holland if the situation does not improve rapidly.