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Manchester United Crisis Deepens Under Ten Hag

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 14:17 GMT by BBC

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The Cracks Widen: Examining Manchester United's Mounting Crisis Under Ten Hag

Manchester United fans are bracing themselves for another turbulent season. While the club enjoyed fleeting moments of success under manager Erik ten Hag – notably winning last season’s FA Cup - a series of on-field failures, dressing room leaks, and increasingly public criticism have exposed deep-rooted issues that threaten to derail his tenure and further damage the club's reputation. The BBC Sport article "Erik ten Hag faces biggest challenge yet as Manchester United struggle" (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cly1l749y54o) paints a stark picture of a team struggling to find identity, cohesion, and even basic consistency.

The current crisis isn't sudden; it’s the culmination of years of mismanagement and a lack of clear direction within the club. However, recent performances have amplified existing concerns, making Ten Hag’s position increasingly precarious. The devastating 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford – a game where United were thoroughly outplayed - was the latest flashpoint, exposing vulnerabilities in both defense and attack. The article highlights that this isn't an isolated incident; it's part of a worrying trend.

A Cascade of Problems: On-Field Performance & Dressing Room Discord

The most immediate problem is performance on the pitch. United’s build-up play lacks creativity, their pressing is ineffective, and individual errors are becoming far too frequent. The article points to a lack of clarity in tactical approach; players appear unsure of their roles and responsibilities. While Ten Hag’s system theoretically prioritizes possession and high-pressing football, the execution has been consistently poor, leading to opponents dominating large swathes of games. The team's reliance on individual brilliance – particularly from Bruno Fernandes - is increasingly unsustainable.

Beyond tactical shortcomings, a significant issue lies within the dressing room. The BBC article details reports of fractured relationships between players and coaching staff, with accusations of a lack of respect being leveled at Ten Hag. A key source of tension appears to be the captaincy situation surrounding Bruno Fernandes. While Fernandes’ leadership qualities are acknowledged by some, others question his authority and influence on team performance, especially given his own inconsistent form. The article references reports that players feel Fernandes' presence has created an uncomfortable dynamic, hindering open communication and undermining Ten Hag's attempts at fostering a unified squad.

Further complicating matters is the ongoing saga surrounding Jadon Sancho. The winger has been publicly criticized by Ten Hag for his training ground attitude and performances, leading to a falling-out that resulted in Sancho being excluded from the first-team squad. Sancho’s subsequent social media posts accusing the club of lies have further inflamed the situation, highlighting a breakdown in trust between player and manager. This incident underscores a broader problem: Ten Hag's seemingly inflexible approach to discipline and his willingness to publicly criticize players. As explored in linked articles about Sancho's situation [https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66851297], the handling of this case has been widely perceived as clumsy and damaging.

Recruitment Questions & Squad Imbalances

The article also raises questions about Manchester United’s recruitment strategy under Ten Hag and his predecessors. While significant sums have been spent on new players, many signings haven't delivered the expected impact. The squad lacks balance – a recurring problem that has plagued the club for years. There’s an overabundance of attacking midfielders but a shortage of reliable defenders and genuinely world-class strikers. The failure to adequately replace Cristiano Ronaldo, while initially masked by some early goals, is now painfully apparent.

Linked articles delve into the specifics of these recruitment failings [https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66851297], highlighting instances where players were brought in without a clear tactical purpose or whose skillsets didn’t align with the team's needs. The constant turnover of players also contributes to instability and hinders the development of a cohesive unit. The article suggests that United’s scouting network may need significant restructuring to ensure future signings are better suited to Ten Hag’s system and address the club's specific weaknesses.

Ten Hag's Position & What Lies Ahead

The BBC article emphasizes that Ten Hag is now facing his biggest challenge yet. While he retains some support within the club, particularly from figures who appreciate his commitment and desire to implement a particular style of play, the pressure is mounting. A string of poor results in upcoming matches – especially against rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool - could prove fatal for his tenure.

The article suggests that United's owners, INEOS, are closely monitoring the situation. Their recent investment in the club signals their ambition to restore it to its former glory, but they will demand tangible improvements on and off the pitch. A significant overhaul of the squad is likely needed, but convincing players to join a struggling Manchester United may prove difficult unless Ten Hag can quickly turn things around.

Ultimately, the future of Erik ten Hag – and indeed, the future direction of Manchester United – hangs in the balance. The club's problems are complex and deeply ingrained, and resolving them will require more than just a change in manager. It demands a fundamental shift in culture, a clear vision for the future, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. The current situation serves as a stark reminder that even with a talented coach, success at Manchester United is far from guaranteed without a robust foundation of stability, accountability, and strategic planning.

I hope this summary captures the essence of the BBC article and provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.