In a recent statement, Erik Ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, expressed his frustration with the role of VAR in football matches. He compared how VAR seemed to assist Arsenal in their victory against his team, insinuating that Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, relied on VAR for their success. Ten Hag’s comment hinted at the notion that Arteta needed to learn how to win without VAR’s assistance. This comment could be seen as a direct jab at Arteta’s managerial skills, suggesting that Ten Hag believes Arteta’s reliance on VAR diminishes the merit of Arsenal’s wins.
Furthermore, Ten Hag’s comments also shed light on the contrasting sentiments among Manchester United fans regarding recent defeats. Despite their disappointment over losing to Brighton, some fans seemed to find solace in the fact that this defeat did not involve controversial VAR decisions, unlike their previous loss to Arsenal. This opinion suggests a level of disillusionment or frustration with how VAR impacts match outcomes.
The discontent among Manchester United fans seems to be growing, fueled by their recent defeats and the perceived mismanagement by Ten Hag. The frustration reached a tipping point during the match against Brighton when fans audibly voiced their displeasure at a decision involving Rasmus Hojlund. This incident seems to be the first notable instance where fans turned against Ten Hag, highlighting a potential shift in sentiment towards the Dutch manager.
These events collectively paint a picture of a club facing internal challenges, both on the field and in the relationship between the manager and the fanbase. The discontent among the fans may stem from a combination of recent losses, the perceived overreliance on VAR in football, and concerns about Ten Hag’s managerial decisions. The situation raises questions about the stability and cohesion within the club, making it imperative for Manchester United to address these issues swiftly and effectively to regain the confidence and support of their devoted fanbase.
