Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, continues to face challenges after a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League. Legendary Dutch footballer Marco Van Basten criticized the team's recruitment and performances, questioning the quality of recent signings and the lack of standout players.
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Manchester United, once one of the most dominant clubs in world football, continues to falter under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.
The team's latest defeat, a resounding 3-0 loss at Old Trafford to Tottenham Hotspur in the sixth round of the Premier League, has sent shockwaves through the fanbase and the footballing world. A club that has historically prided itself on success, United now finds itself in a state of crisis, with performances that fall far below the standards expected at the Theatre of Dreams.
The loss against Tottenham has exacerbated the pressure on Ten Hag, who took the reins at Manchester United with high hopes after an impressive stint at Ajax. However, the team’s form has been inconsistent, and despite significant financial investment in new players, United’s squad appears unbalanced and lacking in the star quality that once defined the club’s greatest eras. The ongoing struggles have led to an outpouring of criticism from pundits, fans, and former players alike, who are increasingly questioning the club's recruitment, tactical approach, and leadership.
One of the most scathing assessments came from Marco Van Basten, the legendary Dutch international and former AC Milan striker, now a sports commentator for "Ziggo Sport." Van Basten, who is known for his blunt and insightful critiques, did not mince words when discussing United's recent failings. His comments after the Tottenham defeat shed light on the perceived mismanagement at Old Trafford, particularly with regard to player acquisitions and the overall quality of the squad.
"I saw a new player, Ugarte, or something like that. 50 million euros. Then I think: how do they manage like this?" Van Basten said incredulously, referring to United's expenditure on players who, in his opinion, have failed to live up to their price tags. The comment, though possibly referencing the wrong player, encapsulates Van Basten’s bewilderment at the club's transfer policy. "It's crazy the money he [Erik ten Hag] spent on players who aren't good," Van Basten continued, clearly frustrated by what he sees as wasteful spending on mediocre talent. "They don't have top players," he added, questioning the overall quality of the squad.
Van Basten's remarks reflect a growing sentiment that Manchester United’s recent transfers have not yielded the expected results. Players like Jadon Sancho, Antony, and even recent goalkeeping acquisition André Onana have come under scrutiny for their inconsistent performances. Van Basten singled out some of United's key figures, noting that they are no longer making the impact they once did. "Rashford is no longer performing," he said, referring to Marcus Rashford, one of United’s homegrown stars, whose form has dipped this season after a promising previous campaign.
While Van Basten acknowledged that Bruno Fernandes remains "a good player" and praised Onana as "a good goalkeeper," his overall assessment was damning. "Other than that, there are no guys you can say, 'They are strong players,'" he remarked, highlighting a lack of depth and leadership within the team. This critique speaks to a broader issue at United despite the presence of talented individuals, the team lacks cohesion and key players who can take responsibility in difficult moments.
Van Basten’s comments didn’t stop there. He also turned his attention to the aging Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder who was signed from Real Madrid last season and has been a cornerstone of Ten Hag’s midfield. While Casemiro’s leadership and experience were invaluable in his first season at United, Van Basten suggested that the Brazilian may be past his best. "Casemiro is past his prime," Van Basten claimed, casting doubt on whether the veteran midfielder can continue to influence games at the highest level.
In terms of younger talents, Van Basten mentioned Alejandro Garnacho, the promising Argentine winger who has shown flashes of brilliance but is yet to cement himself as a regular starter. "The right-winger, Garnacho, is a decent player, but he's not a key player," Van Basten said, indicating that while there is potential, the young winger is not yet capable of leading the team or making a substantial impact in crucial games. "There are no players the others can rely on," he concluded, emphasizing the absence of dependable leaders or game-changers in the current squad.
Van Basten’s criticism touches on the heart of Manchester United’s problems despite substantial investment in new players and high expectations, the team lacks the quality and leadership needed to challenge for major honors. Erik ten Hag, once heralded as the man to restore United to its former glory, now finds himself facing questions about his tactics, player management, and transfer decisions.
The situation at United is made more difficult by the fact that the Premier League has become more competitive than ever, with teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and even Tottenham looking stronger and more cohesive. United’s rivals have not only outperformed them on the pitch but have also made more astute decisions in the transfer market, further highlighting the flaws in United's current approach.
Van Basten, now 59 years old, is not the only high-profile figure to voice concerns about Manchester United's direction. Many former players, including club legends like Gary Neville and Roy Keane, have also been vocal in their criticism, pointing to a lack of identity and direction under Ten Hag’s management. Neville has often mentioned the need for a clear footballing philosophy, something that Ten Hag was expected to bring from his successful tenure at Ajax but has struggled to implement fully at Old Trafford.
With the pressure mounting, Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain. While it is too early to talk about managerial changes, the Dutch coach will need to find solutions quickly to steer the team back on track. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Ten Hag and his players as they try to salvage what is quickly becoming another underwhelming season.
For a club of Manchester United’s stature, mediocrity is unacceptable. The demands for success are relentless, and if the current trajectory continues, Ten Hag may find himself the latest in a long line of managers who have struggled to cope with the weight of expectation at Old Trafford. In the end, only results will matter, and unless United can turn things around, both on and off the pitch, the frustration expressed by figures like Marco Van Basten will only grow louder.
