Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks at the brighter side after crashing out of the Champions League
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes they have a better chance of reaching top-four without the Champions League football. United crashed out of the European competition after finishing fourth in the Champions League Group A.
The Red Devils registered only one win in the campaign, losing four times and playing a draw against Galatasaray. The disastrous campaign ended during the mid-weak with a 0-1 loss against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
Fans expected United to put up a fight against Bayern to salvage some pride. The Manchester giant has an outside chance to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
However, Bayern dominated the game with 60% of the possession as the Red Devils managed only one shot on target. The poor display summed up the nightmare season United are having, with an injury crisis playing a big part.
United lost on-form defender Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw came out injured against Bayern. Furthermore, many players are struggling with their forms, creating vulnerabilities all over the pitch.
The Red Devils have already crashed out of the Carabao Cup competition after a 0-3 loss to Newcastle United. FA Cup is the only viable competition for them to end the nightmare season with a trophy.
Ten Hag told reporters (h/t Manchester Evening News) that fewer games can help United achieve the top-four target. He said:
“Yeah, I think the way you describe it, that’s true. We have had so many injuries in the first part of the season but now we have less games so the load will be less and that can give players the opportunity to recover. We will have more time on the training pitch and we can be fresher in the games. Of course [it can help]. That (top four)’s the target.”
Ten Hag has received criticism for forsaking his philosophy which got him success during his time at Ajax. The 53-year-old has used multiple variations of formations and approaches but all have failed to produce consistency.
United fans wouldn’t accept these comments, seeing it as unacceptable for the team to exit European competition so early. Ten Hag has received substantial backing in the transfer market and during controversial situations like public spats with players.
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The patience is running thin at Old Trafford and anything can happen anytime in football. United need to achieve the top-four finish to qualify for the next season’s Champions League, their minimum expectation. However, the task remains daunting until Ten Hag manages to rectify loopholes in many areas of the pitch.
