Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag displayed the weary expression of someone nearing the end of their tenure after Tottenham Hotspur handed his team a humiliating defeat at Old Trafford. Following the club’s decision to retain Ten Hag over the summer, he finds himself on the brink of crisis, as one more poor performance could lead to intense scrutiny.
Sunday’s match showcased a United side that was disorganized, incompetent, and lacking discipline—arguably one of the worst displays during his management. While Ten Hag enjoyed high points, such as winning the EFL Cup and the dramatic FA Cup final against Manchester City, this latest defeat marks a significant low.
In contrast, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou celebrated another impressive victory, continuing his team’s resurgence after a rocky start to the season.
The mood at Old Trafford was bleak, with fans leaving early, reflecting deep concern about Ten Hag’s future. The question remains: can he endure this setback, and for how long? Many observers believe he is increasingly out of his depth, having narrowly avoided disaster in the past.
Despite some signs of defensive improvement earlier in the season, Sunday’s performance suggested a regression. From the outset, Spurs dominated, setting the tone in the third minute when Micky van de Ven sprinted past United defenders to assist Brennan Johnson’s opening goal. United struggled throughout, barely surviving until halftime as Spurs repeatedly threatened to extend their lead.