Manchester United’s recent 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace has left them in a precarious position, with their chances of securing a European place for next season hanging by a thread. Despite having 10 first-team players out injured, manager Erik Ten Hag did not mince words, admitting that the team’s performance was far from acceptable.
The loss against Palace marked the 13th defeat Manchester United has suffered this season, a record high for the club in the Premier League. Additionally, they are currently sitting in eighth place, which is unprecedented for a team that has never finished below seventh in the league. Their away form has also been dismal, with only Nottingham Forest losing more games by a four-goal margin or higher since the start of last season.
Defensively, Manchester United has been a disaster this season, conceding 81 goals in all competitions, the most they have conceded since the 1976-77 season. They are also on track to finish the season with a negative goal difference for the first time since the 1989-90 season.
The team’s expected goals against Crystal Palace were a paltry 0.35, highlighting their struggles in creating scoring opportunities. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher did not mince words when he described Manchester United as one of the worst-coached teams in the Premier League. He emphasized the need for improved performances and a sense of belief within the squad.
Ashley Young, a former Manchester United player now at Everton, echoed this sentiment, stating that if the team continues to perform as they did against Palace, they will miss out on European competition. He criticized the lack of effort and highlighted that the performance against Palace made it look like men against boys.
Despite the disappointing display, Manchester United’s fans showed their support by giving the players a rousing ovation at the end of the match. However, manager Erik Ten Hag acknowledged that the defeat was deserved and that the team’s performance was far from what was expected. He emphasized the need for the players to take responsibility and learn from their mistakes.
The injury crisis that has plagued Manchester United has forced them to field a makeshift back four, with midfielder Casemiro being deployed as a center-back. The Brazilian midfielder had a night to forget against Palace, with his lackluster performance drawing criticism from pundits. Jamie Carragher suggested that Casemiro should consider retiring from the top level of football, as his decline in form has become apparent.
Overall, Manchester United finds themselves in a dire situation, with their chances of securing a European place hanging by a thread. The team’s defensive woes, lack of creativity in attack, and poor coaching have all contributed to their downfall this season. Manager Erik Ten Hag’s future is uncertain, and the pressure is mounting on him to turn things around. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can salvage their season and avoid further humiliation in the coming matches.