Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United are enduring their worst start to a season in 50 years after a surprising defeat to FC Copenhagen
Manchester United have suffered nine losses in their first 17 matches in all competitions for the first time in 50 years. United manager Erik ten Hag has grappled with the challenge of establishing balance and chemistry within the senior squad. The team’s vulnerabilities have become apparent in all departments, reflecting their struggles on the field.
The recent setback unfolded in a Champions League Group A fixture against FC Copenhagen at Parken. United made a promising start with a 0-2 lead from Rasmus Hojlund’s two goals during the first half an hour.
The game took a drastic turn after Marcus Rashford received a straight red card for a foul on Elias Jelert. Copenhagen capitalized on the advantage, equalizing the score to 2-2 before the halftime whistle.
In the second half, United, despite being a man down, managed to take the lead again through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty. However, two late goals from Copenhagen overturned the game, resulting in the Red Devils’ third Champions League defeat this season. They currently occupy the bottom of the group with just three points.
BBC Match of the Day reported (h/t X [aka Twitter]) that United’s start have been the worst since the 1973-74 season. The Red Devils suffered relegation from the Premier League during the 1973-74 season.
United appointed Ten Hag during the summer of 2022 as he enjoyed initial success and complete authority in players’ recruitment. The Dutchman guided the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured the Champions League qualification. He also ended the club’s six-year trophy drought by clinching the Carabao Cup last season.
However, criticism has mounted against the Dutchman for deviating from the successful football philosophy he employed at Ajax. The 53-year-old earned a global reputation and success with the Dutch giants both in domestic and European competitions.
Criticism intensified when Ten Hag publicly clashed with Jadon Sancho, using the media to criticize the young forward’s training performance.
A similar public fallout occurred with United icon Cristiano Ronaldo last season, leading to the Portuguese player’s departure.
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Ten Hag faces the daunting task of finding solutions to meet United’s minimum expectations for the season. United have looked completely vulnerable in defence while uninspiring in creating offence.
As Champions League elimination looms, the pressure on the 53-year-old manager continues to escalate. The Red Devils will face Luton Town next in the Premier League with the urgency to get the right result in order to pursue a top-four finish.
