Manchester United might soon be forced to part ways with head coach Erik Ten Hag after a crushing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
This result adds to a growing list of humiliating losses under the Dutchman’s tenure, which has seen United concede three or more goals on 23 occasions.
Since joining in 2021, Ten Hag has faced numerous setbacks, including the infamous 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool, which remains one of the worst defeats in the club’s Premier League history. The recent loss against Spurs could be the tipping point, as United fans and pundits call for a managerial change.
A Rollercoaster of Performances
In his first season, despite a rocky start, Ten Hag guided Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League after bouncing back from heavy defeats to Brighton and Brentford. However, his second season was far less forgiving, with United finishing a dismal eighth in the league—their worst-ever Premier League position—and ending bottom of their Champions League group.
Although the Dutchman has secured two trophies for the club, the team’s inconsistent league performances continue to frustrate the Old Trafford faithful. Despite the criticism, Ten Hag remains confident in his role, stating that he can still turn things around, although patience is running thin.
The Top 5 Worst Defeats Under Erik Ten Hag
5. Manchester City 6-3 Manchester United (October 2022)
In his first Manchester Derby, Ten Hag’s side was dismantled by a dominant Man City at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both netted hat-tricks, and despite United scoring three consolation goals, the game was heavily one-sided. The defeat was reminiscent of United’s 6-1 loss to City at Old Trafford in 2011.
4. Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth (December 2023)
United were stunned at home by a resilient Bournemouth side, suffering their first-ever defeat to the Cherries at Old Trafford. The hosts controlled possession but were easily exploited by Bournemouth’s quick counter-attacks, prompting jeers from the home crowd.
3. Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur (October 2024)
Tottenham inflicted one of Ten Hag’s most recent and devastating defeats at Old Trafford. Even before Bruno Fernandes’ controversial red card, United struggled to match Spurs’ intensity. This loss has intensified calls for the Dutchman’s dismissal, with club legends and fans alike voicing their dissatisfaction.
2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United (May 2024)
Late last season, United were torn apart by a spirited Crystal Palace side, led by Michael Olise. Playing Casemiro in an unfamiliar centre-back role backfired, as the Brazilian was at fault for several goals. It marked the first time Palace completed a home-and-away double over United in their history.
1. Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United (March 2023)
United’s most humiliating defeat under Ten Hag came at the hands of their bitter rivals, Liverpool, at Anfield. Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah all scored twice, handing United their heaviest league loss since 1931. This unforgettable match is considered one of the most iconic results in Premier League history.
What’s Next for Ten Hag?
As speculation about his future grows, Ten Hag’s ability to turn the tide seems increasingly uncertain. With mounting pressure from fans, the board, and club legends, the Dutchman’s fate may soon be decided unless he can quickly reverse the team’s fortunes.
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