Manchester United’s ongoing struggles have hit a new low after their humiliating 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Under Erik ten Hag’s leadership, the team has faced one crushing defeat after another, and pressure is mounting for the Dutchman, whose reign has seen Manchester United falter in historic ways.
With the club languishing in 13th place in the Premier League after just six games and suffering three defeats, the calls for Ten Hag’s sacking are growing louder. This latest defeat marks the 23rd time his team has conceded three or more goals in a single game, a worrying stat for a club of United’s stature.
A Rocky Road From the Start
When Ten Hag took over, fans had high hopes that he would restore United to its former glory. Although his first season saw a promising finish in third place, there have been alarming dips in form ever since, including a dismal 8th-place finish last season. While the team has managed to secure two trophies under his tenure, the Red Devils’ performances in the league remain a major concern.
Below, we recount the top 5 worst defeats Manchester United has suffered during Erik ten Hag’s time as manager:
- Manchester City 6-3 Manchester United
The first Manchester derby of Ten Hag’s era was an absolute disaster. Conceding not one but two hat-tricks—one from Erling Haaland and the other from Phil Foden—the Red Devils were completely outclassed. Although United managed three consolation goals, the result stung deeply, reminding fans of their 2011 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
- Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth
December 2023 brought a historic low as Bournemouth claimed their first-ever win at Old Trafford. Despite dominating possession, United’s defense crumbled under the pressure, allowing the Cherries to expose them with ease. Fans at the Theatre of Dreams were left booing their side after yet another embarrassing defeat.
- Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur
This recent defeat at the hands of Tottenham may well be the final nail in the coffin for Ten Hag. United looked second-best throughout the match, with even their captain Bruno Fernandes seeing red after a controversial decision. The fans, pundits, and United legends were united in their criticism of the team’s performance.
- Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United
One of the most shocking results in recent memory came against Crystal Palace. A Michael Olise-inspired Palace tore apart United’s defense, with Casemiro having one of his worst games for the club. For the first time in history, Crystal Palace completed a home-and-away victory against Manchester United in the same season.
- Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
Nothing will compare to the humiliation of their record-breaking 7-0 defeat to archrivals Liverpool in March last year. Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah each netted twice in what was United’s heaviest competitive defeat since 1931. It was a day United fans would rather forget, but one that will be etched in Premier League history forever.
What’s Next for United?
With these crushing defeats stacking up, the future looks uncertain for Erik ten Hag. Rumors are swirling about potential replacements, with former United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy and ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel among the top candidates.
One thing is clear: Manchester United fans are growing impatient, and unless there is a drastic turnaround, Ten Hag’s days at Old Trafford could be numbered.
Which defeat do you think was the worst under Erik ten Hag? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
