In the aftermath of West Ham’s decisive triumph over Manchester United last Saturday, Paul Scholes criticized Erik ten Hag for what he deemed a “naive” approach in away games, shedding light on persistent issues against formidable opponents.
United, under the Dutchman’s guidance, has encountered difficulties on the road, evident in recent setbacks to West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle this season. Their struggles extend to the previous Premier League campaign, where they suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat at Anfield, and their premature exit from the Champions League was partially attributed to lackluster away performances.
Scholes, speaking on TNT Sports, directed his disapproval at Ten Hag, emphasizing concerns about the team’s tactical approach. “They struggled last year in the big games, and I also felt that it was naive going to good away grounds and playing with one holding midfielder and the rest being attacking,” Scholes remarked, underscoring the challenge of employing such a strategy against top English teams.
In the West Ham match, Ten Hag surprised many by including 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala in the starting lineup due to Raphael Varane’s illness and Harry Maguire’s suspension. Scholes expressed initial reservations about United’s chances, acknowledging West Ham’s difficulty as an opponent and the threat posed by their talented forwards.
These concerns materialized as United suffered a 2-0 defeat, leaving them languishing in eighth place in the standings. The outcome amplifies the pressure on Ten Hag, who now faces heightened scrutiny. With an upcoming Boxing Day clash against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Ten Hag must swiftly address the team’s performance issues.
The disappointing results coincide with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s anticipated acquisition of a twenty-five percent share in the club, potentially influencing the team’s trajectory. As the January transfer window looms, Ten Hag’s position becomes increasingly precarious, with the imperative to make improvements and strategic adjustments to revive United’s form both on the road and at home.
In light of these challenges, Ten Hag’s capacity to strike the right balance in tactics and rectify away-game struggles becomes pivotal for Manchester United’s success in the remainder of the season.
