Erik ten Hag's time at Man Utd is surely almost up after new humiliation

09 December 2023 , 20:00

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Erik ten Hag's time at Man Utd is surely almost up after new humiliation

The clock must surely be ticking on Erik ten Hag’s reign as his shambolic Manchester United were humiliated by superb Bournemouth.

United sank to a new low with a miserable display that emptied a shocked Old Trafford long before the final whistle. At the end ten Hag stood looking in disbelief as a jubilant Andoni Iraola jogged onto the pitch to congratulate his stars who took United to the cleaners.

The Dutchman may have been crowned November Manager of the Month but his credibility took a battering as the Cherries ruthlessly cut United down with a stunning performance. Rarely have United been so abject on their own ground.

And now they must pick themselves up against Bayern Munich on Tuesday to try to save their fading Champions League hopes. And it gets worse with Liverpool - 7-0 winners over United last season - waiting at Anfield next Sunday.

Ten Hag’s world caved in after the Newcastle defeat but this heavy loss felt much more damaging. And with new £1.25bn investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent arrival at the helm the timing simply couldn’t be worse for ten Hag.

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As bad as United were, especially in the closing stages when they completely fell apart and were only saved a heavier beating by VAR, Bournemouth were simply brilliant.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

After the bounce of the Chelsea win this was the perfect chance to build momentum. But Iraola’s in-form stars instantly punctured United’s upbeat mood with a fourth minute goal.

Arriving at Old Trafford on an impressive run of three wins in four games their confidence was stamped all over their opening goal. Solanke cleverley steered the ball past Andre Onana after brilliant work by star turn Lewis Cook. It was the perfect start, allowing Bournemouth to sit in and break with menace which they frequently did.

The visitors had the ball in the net again after 24 minutes but Tavernier’s header was ruled out for offside.

Up front United toiled with Anthony Martial, a surprise starter ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, totally ineffective. Alejandro Garnacho was United’s only real threat but too often was crowded out.

United were lucky to escape as Solanke hit the post before the break but if fans were frustrated by United’s first half, the second was a disaster. The biggest United cheer came when Martial made way for Hojlund after 56 minutes but the change made no difference.

Anthony Martial disappointed once again (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Just over 10 minutes later Bourenmouth grabbed their second with Shaw guilty after a poor pass. Tarvernier picked out substitute Billing at the far post and his emphatic header gave Onana no chance. Five minutes later it was 3-0 and home fans headed for the exits as Tavernier’s corner was headed home by unmarked Marco Senesi.

Ouattara was denied a fourth for a marginal handball after appalling defending but that was little consolation for a United team plunging to new depths.

Steve Bates