Hi everyone, the old fox is still around and waited patiently for a few weeks to see the expected reaction and I am sure we all will be glad to see the end of the season!
Here is my current view on the Manchester United (MU) situation at present that hopefully INEOS are also reflecting on.
1. There are a ridiculous amount of shots on our goal which is similar to relegation teams.
2. We have a poor goal difference.
3. There are regular injury problems creating questions about the MU training methods and medical support.
4. I wonder how many MU players are hiding behind injury to avoid playing when we are losing!
5. It will be interesting to see how many players are available for the FA cup final.
6. Generally, the team only seem to perform for the first 20 to 45 minutes of a match then the energy fails.
7. When playing supposed lower teams, the MU players give the sense of just having to turn up to win!
8. MU Players are not performing to previous seasons’ standards.
9. Marcus Rashford’s goals has acted as a sticking plaster on last year”s achievements.
10. There seems to be no tactical playing method with poor substitutions in games.
11. £400 million has been spent on the current squad while Erik ten Hag (EtH) has been manager.
12. The Club has spent £150 million on two players alone that have failed! One now on the bench and one on loan.
13. The amount of transfers and the amount owing, now places us on the edge of FFP.
14. Many players that are out on loan are not performing, thus will be difficult to move on.
15. There is a poor team spirit that must affect younger players.
16. It’s virtually impossible to gain Champions League entrance and even being the Europa League will be a challenge.
As with any company, when major failures are identified, changes in the managerial structure is inevitable. Hopefully, the new managerial team, presently being put together, gets to work professionally and quietly behind the scenes away from the media spotlight, to begin to sort out the problem.
We will have to be patient, but don’t expect success at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City standards for at least two seasons. Remember, Liverpool and Manchester City have managers arguably at the same level as Sir Alex Ferguson (SAF) was and the present Arsenal manager was the top apprentice of possibly the world’s best manager around today.
By the end of the financial FFP year in June, I’m sure INEOS will have a decision from the new managerial team to decide on the future of EtH and the coaching staff. However, the decision to possibly replace EtH will be very difficult to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s (SJR) and the fans’ aspirations because many failed managers / coaches from other clubs seem to be the only EtH comparisons around as options. Unfortunately, there is no SAF, Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp available.
EtH was seen to be a step forward following his success at Ajax, so do INEOS stick or twist? Liverpool did stick with Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal have with Mikel Arteta, MU did with SAF.
I am sure decisions were made yesterday between Glazier and SJR after the calamity against Coventry. But what happens if we win the FA cup by beating arguably the best team in the world? Does EtH get out of jail again?
Oh for a crystal ball now instead of a football!
Written by The fox April 22 2024 13:32:42
