Manchester United lost their 13th game of the Premier League season, a record since the competition’s inception, a 0-4 annihilation at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Not even the most ardent fan would have expected too much but still the manner of the capitulation was another stark reminder of Erik ten Hag’s loosening grip on the squad.
Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro had the worst night of his United career and it seemed he had almost given up, like so many of his teammates in recent weeks.
When the chance to secure a Champions League spot was lost, there were fears that motivation levels would drop and that is exactly what has transpired with The Daily Star claiming United’s beleaguered stars feel the remaining campaign could turn out to be humiliating.
EtH & players both to blame
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, player power has run rampant and many-a-times, big-name stars have downed tools to ensure the manager gets sacked.
The Dutchman is also to blame for this mess with the former Ajax coach refusing to compromise on his flawed style despite a mounting injury crisis, which in turn, is leading to bigger and bigger losses.
United have conceded three or more goals 15 times this season, while Monday’s result was the fourth time they have conceded four times in a game this season.
INEOS’ refusal to address the managerial situation with any real conviction is not helping with players feeling Ten Hag is a goner and that has led to players not putting in the hard yards for him any longer.
United are still to play Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton before their all-important FA Cup final and still have the chance to secure European football for next season.
Players giving up
But players do not envisage a single win and that surely is concerning for INEOS and could lead to their lowest-ever league finish and the team will have no European football next season which will certainly impact their finances and their ability to recruit top stars in the summer.
“Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United flops fear they will not win another game this season.
“The news is a huge blow to Ten Hag as he battles to save himself from the sack. Morale and confidence is so low among the United squad that there is a feeling among many of the players that their season could be all but over.
“United’s confidence is said to be shot to pieces, with the players starting to think there is nothing they can do to spare Ten Hag from the sack.
“A club insider described the mood among United’s squad as ‘miserable’, with many of the players convinced Ten Hag will be on his way this summer after such a dismal season.”
INEOS’ big call
Ten Hag sounds deluded during post-match interactions which is adding further fuel to the fire with critics vociferous in their appeals to sack the Dutchman.
Ten Hag’s refusal to back away from playing this flawed style despite so many injuries will ultimately let him down while the players he has signed have mostly been huge disappointments.
Fans are already worried about what the scoreline will be against the Gunners and are fearing a rout at Wembley. Should INEOS pull the plug now and bring in an interim coach?
Currently, the management have no such plans and they want Ten Hag to lead the team out for the Cup final. With Thomas Tuchel making a strong case for his appointment, INEOS have a huge call to make regarding the managerial situation.
But players believing no turnaround if possible is concerning. A difficult end to a dismal campaign awaits.
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