Erik ten Hag’s second campaign as the ruler of Manchester United was meant to be a royal redemption, a crowning moment in the Red Devils’ illustrious history. After his debut season saw the club return to their rightful place amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League, hopes were high for a true title conquest. Yet, the reality has proven to be anything but majestic, as Ten Hag finds himself steering a ship that’s dangerously close to capsizing. The teams dismal start hasn’t just tarnished their own record – it’s made them the worst starters in their Premier League kingdom. The question now is: can the Red Devils still compete at the summit, or has their crown slipped beyond recovery?
The 2024-2025 season, however, has been a far cry from the previous year. The Red Devils have been dealt a series of humiliating blows, including a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of their rivals, Liverpool. The teams lack of cohesion in midfield and a defence as fragile a as crumbling fortress have left them vulnerable. Injuries to key players, such as Mason Mount, have added to the kingdoms woes.
2023-24
The 2023-2024 campaign marked a promising resurgence for Manchester United under Ten Haag’s royal decree. After a slow start, the Red Devils regained their stride, securing a top-four finish in the Premier League and a coveted seat at the Champions League table. Victories over noble foes like Liverpool and Manchester City hinted at the teams growing power. Yet, a premature exit from the Champions League revealed cracks in their armour, showing that the kingdom was still in need of fortification.
The 2024-2025 season, however, has been a far cry from the previous year. The Red Devils have been dealt a series of humiliating blows, including a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of their rivals, Liverpool. The teams lack of cohesion in midfield and a defence as fragile a as crumbling fortress have left them vulnerable. Injuries to key players, such as Mason Mount, have added to the kingdoms woes.
2024-25
As it stands, Ten Hag’s reign is under threat. His current record for the worst start to a Premier League campaign is a serious blemish on his crown.
Ten Hag’s first season in English football was an impressive one, as he led Man Utd to third place and ended their six-year trophy drought, with the EFL Cup. He also led Manchester United to a place in the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League, by finishing third place in the top four of the Premier League. The nadir of Ten Hag’s reign is, though, his first competitive victory. On 22 August, Ten Hag recorded a 2–1 victory against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. This was United’s first league win against Liverpool since March 2018.
Factors such as the heightened pressure to deliver success after last years strong showing may have contributed to United’s troubling regression. In the kingdom of Manchester United, the people are restless. Fans are voicing their discontent on social media, with some even gathering outside Old Trafford in protest. Calls for Ten Hag’s abdication from the throne grow louder day by day. The royal court of media pundits has been relentless in their critique, and the weight of expectation on Ten Hag’s shoulders must feel as heavy as the crown itself.
It’s clear that Ten Hag’s throne is far from secure. The Red Devils are faltering, and the faithful are growing impatient. If the Dutchman cannot steady his ship and restore order, he may find himself dethroned before long. But what do you think? Will we see Ten Hang sacked before the season ends?
