Manchester United’s European Dream in Jeopardy
Erik ten Hag has admitted that Manchester United missing out on European football next season would be “very damaging” for the club. The Red Devils have not failed to qualify for European competitions since 2014, when they finished seventh in the Premier League and ended the season trophy-less under manager David Moyes.
Manchester United’s European hopes hang in the balance
United’s current position in the Premier League standings, eighth with two rounds of matches remaining, has put their European ambitions in jeopardy. They trail both Newcastle United and Chelsea by three points, with a significantly inferior goal difference to each of the two teams above them in the standings.
Ten Hag’s side will host Newcastle on Wednesday before concluding their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a trip to Brighton. A sixth-place finish would qualify them for the Europa League, while finishing in seventh would see them play in next season’s Europa Conference League.
Erik ten Hag is under pressure to secure European football for Manchester United
“It is very damaging,” Ten Hag said of the possibility of missing out on Europe, after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, his side’s 14th Premier League loss of the campaign.
Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United player, has slammed the club’s players’ attitude after Erik ten Hag made reference to the Red Devils’ questionable attitudes following Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal. Rooney echoed Ten Hag’s sentiments, questioning the application of United’s underwhelming performers.
Wayne Rooney has criticized Manchester United’s players’ attitude
“I’ve said this a few weeks ago, the players need to look at themselves,” the United and England great said. “When you’ve got your manager during an interview and he’s talking about attitude and attitudes not being right, that is a massive insult.”
Ten Hag has failed to get a tune out of United, dropping out of the Champions League in the group stage and suffering in the Premier League. The Red Devils have lost 19 games in all competitions this season, their most since 1977-78, while their nine defeats at Old Trafford this term is their joint-most at home in a single campaign.
Manchester United’s home form has been a major concern this season
United have also conceded in 10 successive games in all competitions for the first time since October 2021, while the 82 goals they have conceded this season is their most since 1970-71.
Ten Hag has had to deal with injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Marcus Rashford, among others. Rooney has doubled down on his criticism of United’s players, suggesting that some players are not giving their all.
Manchester United’s players have been criticized for their attitude and application
“As we look at the injuries, some of them players can play,” the former Everton and Derby County boss continued. “It’s easy, you’ve got a European Championship coming up, an FA Cup final coming up. It’s easy for the players, because they’re getting a bit of stick now, to stay out for a little bit and come back for the FA Cup final and get ready for the European Championships.”
The pressure is on Ten Hag and his players to deliver in their remaining matches and secure European football for next season. Failure to do so would be a significant blow to the club’s prestige and finances.
Erik ten Hag is under pressure to secure European football for Manchester United
