After West Ham’s convincing win over Manchester United, Paul Scholes voiced strong criticism of Erik ten Hag’s “naive” tactics in away matches, pointing to ongoing struggles against stronger teams.
Scholes, a former United midfielder, specifically highlighted Ten Hag’s tactical decisions that have led to repeated failures when playing away from home.
Under Ten Hag’s management, Manchester United has encountered significant difficulties on the road, facing losses to teams like West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle. Scholes expressed concerns over the tactical approach, particularly the decision to use only one holding midfielder when playing against high-caliber opponents away from Old Trafford.
This strategy, according to Scholes, has left the team exposed defensively and unable to cope with the pressure exerted by top-tier sides.
Adding to the controversy was Ten Hag’s unexpected decision to start 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala in the match against West Ham. Many found this move surprising, as Kambwala had limited experience at the senior level. Scholes and other pundits suggested that such decisions reflect a broader issue with Ten Hag’s tactical planning and game management, particularly in high-stakes away games.
The defeat to West Ham has only amplified the scrutiny on Ten Hag, whose performance is under intense evaluation, especially amid talks of Sir Jim Ratcliffe potentially acquiring a 25% stake in the club. This possible change in ownership could bring new expectations and pressures, further complicating Ten Hag’s position.
With the January transfer window approaching, Ten Hag faces mounting pressure to make necessary strategic adjustments to address Manchester United’s ongoing away-game issues.
His ability to adapt his tactics, strengthen the squad, and improve the team’s performances on the road will be crucial for maintaining his role as manager and achieving success in the remainder of the season. The coming weeks will be critical as Ten Hag seeks to navigate these challenges and find solutions to the team’s persistent problems.
