Rasmus Hojlund, despite his high price tag of nearly £70 million and a goal drought of seven Premier League games, remains a popular young player at Old Trafford. He did, however, make a costly mistake by conceding the penalty that allowed Manchester City to secure a scoreless victory.
Erik ten Hag faced loud criticism from the fans, albeit momentarily, as his team endured a one-sided elite match. The fans’ disapproval was directed not only at the change in personnel but also at his coaching philosophy. Some questioned his decision to substitute the center forward when the team was trailing by two goals.
Although Ten Hag is being given more time, Manchester United supporters are still hesitant to embrace him. In fairness, he had to cope with injuries that forced him to field a makeshift defense that might have settled for conceding just three goals.
However, the bigger issue at hand is the lack of identity and purpose in this Manchester United team. They often resort to a counter-attacking style even when facing mid-table clubs, a trend that has become all too common at their Theatre of Dreams, much to the dismay of the fans.
The closing moments of the match, where Antony struggled against Jeremy Doku, were uncomfortable to watch. United had invested £82 million in acquiring Antony, but his performance was far from impressive.
When assessing Manchester United’s shortcomings, it’s challenging to pinpoint where the real problems lie. Rasmus Hojlund’s situation symbolizes the lack of coherence in the club’s recruitment process. Why spend such a large sum on a raw, potential talent when you already have a proven goal scorer in your squad?
Two other Ten Hag signings, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount, were on the pitch for a half each, and in a direct comparison of their impact, the result was a stalemate. Additionally, many established stars seem to be struggling or showing a lack of enthusiasm under Ten Hag.
Marcus Rashford, who has performed better for the England national team this year than for his club, is a prime example. Rashford didn’t witness this humiliating match either, as United players confronted the referee at the end of the game, leaving fans puzzled about their actions.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Erik ten Hag’s problem will go beyond facing criticism for tactical decisions. His reputation is at stake, although it may not immediately jeopardize his career.
