Man Utd's emphatic derby defeat has increased the pressure on Erik ten Hag
When Erik ten Hag talked of progress in the aftermath of Manchester United's emphatic derby defeat, it was hard to take him seriously.
Although United shut Manchester City out for 56 minutes, they were eventually overwhelmed, the gulf in class between the local rivals underlined as Pep Guardiola's side dominated the second-half.
United have now lost 11 games, one short of their highest number of defeats in the Premier League era, which they racked up in 2013-14 and 2021-22.
Given they still have to face Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as navigating tricky trips to Brentford, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brighton, more than 12 defeats is almost a given, with United's current inconsistency.
Another humiliating record United are in danger of setting this season is their worst goal difference for 34 years. United's current goal difference is minus two – the last time they posted a negative goal difference was in 1989-90, when it was minus one.
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Ten Hag's side have scored just 37 goals, the same as Luton, and fewer than West Ham, Newcastle, Brighton, Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham.
For a club that prides itself on playing exciting, attacking football, with goals the only currency that matters, it is a damning betrayal of United's rich heritage.
Erik ten Hag shows his frustration during Man Utd's 3-1 derby defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (REX/Shutterstock)Against that backdrop, it seems increasingly likely Ten Hag will go this summer, with new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team already making major changes behind the scenes. United legend Paul Scholes thinks Ten Hag is on his way out, with INEOS keen to appoint their own man to take the club forward into a new era.
"I think they've already made their mind up,” said Scholes. “I don’t think he will be there next season. From the interviews we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I'm not saying it's the right decision.
“With new owners anyway, they always tend to change the manager and especially with the way they’re playing, where they are in the league and what it’s been like in the last couple of seasons, I just think they’ll make a change.”
Man Utd legend Paul Scholes is convinced Erik ten Hag will be sacked this summer (Premier League Productions)Ten Hag tried to see the positives in the wake of United's derby defeat, claiming his side have been more prolific in terms of scoring since the turn of the year.
“From January, we scored many goals,” said Ten Hag. “I think we're really progressing on that side. Our frontline is absolutely a threat.
“We have to see that Rasmus Hojlund is getting back. But with Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes behind, they are in good form and can score goals and create chances. I think we can score more goals and we can score enough goals to win games."
Unfortunately for Ten Hag, time and games are running out for him to convince Ratcliffe and the INEOS team that he is the man to lead United out of their current crisis and take them back to the top.
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