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Even in glory, Erik ten Hag showed why Manchester United had to sack him

Even in Glory, Erik ten Hag Showed Why Manchester United Had to Sack Him

The Red Devils' Carabao Cup Triumph Was Marred by Controversial Tactics and a Lack of Cohesion

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United may have secured their first trophy since 2017, but the Carabao Cup triumph was a bittersweet moment for the Dutch manager. Despite the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Wembley, Ten Hag's tactical decisions and the team's lack of cohesion raised questions about his suitability for the role.

Questionable Tactics

Ten Hag's decision to start Wout Weghorst as a lone striker was met with criticism from pundits and fans alike. The tall Dutch forward is known for his physical presence and aerial ability, but he is not a natural goalscorer. His lack of pace and mobility isolated him from the rest of the team, making it difficult for United to create chances.

Compounding the tactical issues was Ten Hag's insistence on playing a high defensive line. Newcastle repeatedly exploited the space behind United's backline with through balls, creating dangerous opportunities. The Red Devils were fortunate not to concede more goals, with goalkeeper David de Gea making several crucial saves.

Lack of Cohesion

Despite securing the trophy, Manchester United's performance against Newcastle highlighted a lack of cohesion within the team. The players seemed to be playing as individuals rather than as a unit, often failing to support each other or create any fluid attacking moves. This lack of understanding and communication was evident throughout the match.

Ten Hag's substitutions also failed to make a positive impact. The introduction of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial did little to improve United's attacking threat, while the decision to bring on Harry Maguire at the end of the game seemed more like a symbolic gesture than a genuine attempt to strengthen the defense.

Conclusion

Manchester United's Carabao Cup triumph may have brought temporary relief to the club's fans, but it also exposed the challenges that Erik ten Hag faces. The Dutch manager's questionable tactics and the team's lack of cohesion suggest that he has a lot of work to do if he wants to bring sustained success to Old Trafford.