{"id":299539,"date":"2023-12-03T11:26:14","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T11:26:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usasportsradar.com\/?p=299539"},"modified":"2023-12-03T11:26:14","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T11:26:14","slug":"man-utd-struggles-summed-up-by-one-image-that-seriously-questions-ten-hag-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usasportsradar.com\/soccer\/man-utd-struggles-summed-up-by-one-image-that-seriously-questions-ten-hag-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd struggles summed up by one image that seriously questions Ten Hag future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ten Hag believes Man Utd are on the up ahead of Everton trip<\/h3>\n

Erik ten Hag is over 18 months into his Manchester United project, but he already looks destined to regress from a successful maiden season in charge. Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle United was a new low in a troublesome campaign, and the visitors’ pitiful performance was no surprise based on a damning post-match image.<\/p>\n

Anthony Gordon’s fourth goal involvement in as many Premier League games in the 55th minute saw Newcastle run out 1-0 victors at St James’ Park.<\/p>\n

But the result flattered Ten Hag’s side, who were second best in every department from referee Robert Jones’ first whistle to the last.<\/p>\n

United recorded just one shot on target and 0.48 xG as they slipped down to seventh, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.<\/p>\n

It was United’s fifth game of the Premier League season against top-half opposition and their fifth defeat. They haven’t won away from home at a top-eight side since 2021.<\/p>\n

Newcastle were levels above the Old Trafford giants in terms of their hunger for victory and quality.<\/p>\n

But more concerningly for Ten Hag, Eddie Howe’s side looked significantly better drilled in real-time, and the proof is in the post-match pudding.<\/p>\n

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United’s midfield has been a clear issue this season. One of the sources has been operating with a low line, leaving the team wide open rather than compact to allow for a more effective system on and off the ball.<\/p>\n

Against Newcastle, and not for the first time this term, the Red Devils didn’t seem to know when to press and when to maintain their shape.<\/p>\n

They weren’t working as one unit, which Howe has thrived at since his appointment on Tyneside. And it shows on both teams’ passing network charts.<\/p>\n

There is a blatant shape to Newcastle’s, indicating that every player knew their role and stuck to it perfectly, helping the hosts control the game.<\/p>\n