On Sunday, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe took on the London Marathon, completing it in four hours and 30 minutes. However, his day’s biggest test came later at Wembley Stadium, where he attended United’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry. The game initially looked secure for Erik ten Hag’s team as they established a 3-0 lead, but the Championship side staged an impressive comeback, almost leading to an upset against United. The match was pushed to the edge when Coventry scored in extra time, seemingly securing their spot in the final, but a VAR decision ruled their goal offside, denying them the victory. Ultimately, the game went to penalties, and while United narrowly advanced, it added pressure on ten Hag’s already scrutinized management.
While ten Hag has guided United to consecutive cup finals, this achievement has done little to ease concerns over the team’s season-long inconsistencies. Despite their strong performance in domestic cup tournaments, United’s Premier League campaign has been disappointing. They were knocked out in the Champions League group stage and sit seventh in the Premier League, far from the top-four finish expected at a club of United’s stature. Additionally, they trail 16 points behind securing Champions League qualification, a further blow to the club’s ambitions. Key injuries, including those to Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, have impacted United, but these setbacks don’t fully explain the team’s ongoing struggles.
Manchester United’s defense has been a major weakness this season, notably conceding seven injury-time goals since February. Some see this as more than mere misfortune, pointing to deeper issues in ten Hag’s defensive tactics. United ranks as the fifth-worst team in the league for expected goals against (xGA), with a troubling figure of 63.61—placing them just above the three teams in the relegation zone and West Ham. Arsenal, with the league’s best defensive record, has an xGA of 25.89, highlighting United’s defensive troubles. Offensively, the club ranks 12th in expected goals (xG) at 50.36, behind even Everton, who are fighting to avoid relegation. These statistics highlight United’s struggles on both ends of the field, adding to criticism of ten Hag’s strategies.
Ten Hag’s decisions, particularly his substitutions in the semi-final, have also drawn scrutiny. With Coventry gaining momentum, he opted to replace Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two of United’s most dynamic players, with Antony and Christian Eriksen. These changes were seen as conservative, and fans argue that they disrupted the team’s rhythm as Coventry closed in. Although United ultimately advanced, the performance raised questions about ten Hag’s ability to keep up with elite competition.
After this tense semi-final, some fans and pundits are questioning if ten Hag can lead United back to the top. Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News rated his performance in the match 1/10, illustrating the growing doubts about his management. Ten Hag’s back-to-back cup final appearances haven’t quieted concerns about United’s long-term direction, and many believe the team’s progress under him may be limited.
