Ten Hag's Job Under Threat? Man United HUMILIATED in Bilbao as Athletic Club STUN Red Devils – Fans DEMAND Change!

 The football fraternity is abuzz with one issue: Is the Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag's job at risk? In the wake of a stunning 3-0 loss to Bilbao's Athletic Club, Manchester United's future under the stewardship of their Dutch manager hangs in the balance. The people are frustrated and social media platforms are on fire with demands for change. May this be Manchester United's sacked manager's Red Card moment? In this article, we take a deep dive into the ramifications of this embarrassing defeat, examine the rising tension surrounding Ten Hag's management, and consider what the future of Manchester United as a club looks like.

The Humiliation in Bilbao: A Wake-Up Call for United

Manchester United's 3-0 loss to Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League has caused ripples in the world of football. The loss was not only one on the scoresheet; it was a humbling that laid bare the naked deficiencies of the squad, tactics, and consequently, the management of Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils were thoroughly outplayed by an Athletic Club team that had been displaying resilience, creativity, and zeal. United, however, seemed lethargic, disjointed, and uninspired. The humiliating defeat not only extinguished United's chances of advancing in the tournament but also left fans questioning if Ten Hag can salvage things.

Key Moments from the Bilbao Clash

The game began with great expectations for United, but within minutes it was a nightmare. Athletic Club's high-pressing game prevented United from playing out from the back. For all their possession, the Red Devils were unable to fashion genuine chances. The defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued United throughout the campaign were exposed with every passing minute. A costly mistake from Harry Maguire led to an early goal for Athletic Club, and United’s confidence crumbled. The game ended 3-0, a scoreline that many felt was a fair reflection of the difference in quality and determination.

But the outcome was not only about the scoreline; it was about the game as a whole. Supporters attributed the lackadaisical performances of influential figures like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, whose performances have been spotty all season. While Ten Hag's tactics again came under scrutiny, the lack of response to Athletic Club's high-pressing game plan raised some eyebrows.

Ten Hag On The Hot Seat: Sack Coming?

Following the loss at Bilbao, the demands for Erik ten Hag's dismissal reached a boiling point. Manchester United supporters have become increasingly frustrated with the manager's failure to take the team to consistent wins, particularly in critical situations. Though some fans still support Ten Hag for his past achievements, numerous others are now wondering if he is the ideal person to propel United forward.

What Went Wrong Under Ten Hag's Leadership

Erik Ten Hag was hired to revive Manchester United's glory days, but his tenure has not been plain sailing. Since succeeding in 2022, the Dutchman has yet to identify a winning recipe that brings sustained results. Below are some of the main problems that have clouded his spell at United:

• Tactical Inconsistency: Perhaps the largest criticism of Ten Hag has been his tactical inconsistency. The team has been frequently disorganized, unable to penetrate opponents or defend with confidence. His tactical experiments, especially with how he sets up at the back, have frequently resulted in backfires, as seen in the Bilbao loss.
• Player Underperformance: While some of the players have excelled under Ten Hag, others have underperformed. Players such as Rashford, Fernandes, and even recent signings such as Casemiro have been showing glimpses of brilliance, but they lack consistency. The Bilbao defeat pointed out how much it matters that players rise to the occasion when the team requires them most.
• Poor Squad Depth: Another issue that Ten Hag has faced is the lack of depth in the squad. Injuries and suspensions have exposed the lack of quality backups, especially in crucial positions. This was evident in Bilbao, where United struggled to maintain intensity throughout the game.
• Failure to Adapt: Another of Ten Hag's biggest strengths while at Ajax was his tactical flexibility. But at United, he has frequently been unable to adapt his tactic when facing better teams. The defeat at Bilbao is an example of when Ten Hag's tactics were caught out by a more committed and prepared Athletic Club.

What Are the Fans Saying?

The loss to Athletic Club has driven Manchester United supporters to the brink. On social media, the #TenHagOut hashtag is trending, and most fans are calling for the club to act. The anger is evident, and most fans are citing the team's inability to deliver in major games as proof that Ten Hag is not the right person for the job.

Fans are especially dissatisfied with the absence of noticeable improvement during Ten Hag's leadership. Although some encouraging performances have been achieved, including winning the Carabao Cup and an occasional run of good form, these have been sporadic. For most fans, the continued underperformance in high-pressure games is inexcusable.

The Future of Ten Hag at Manchester United: What Next?

With the pressure piling up on Ten Hag's shoulders, the question on everyone's mind is: What lies ahead for the manager and the club? The pecking order at Manchester United will surely be considering Ten Hag's future, particularly after such an embarrassing loss.

Potential Replacements for Ten Hag

If Erik ten Hag is let go, Manchester United will have to move quickly to replace him. Several big-name figures have been tipped for the job, including:

• Mauricio Pochettino – The ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss is a fan favorite among United supporters because of his style of play and his youth development skills.
• Zinedine Zidane – The French great has been mooted for various managerial jobs, and his level of experience at the top level may be precisely what United requires.
• Luis Enrique – The ex-Barcelona boss has an impressive record in club management and may infuse Old Trafford with a winning ethos.

Although every one of those managers has their strengths, the most difficult task for United's board will be to install a manager who can provide stability, tactical innovation, and, above all, results.

What Must be Changed at Manchester United?

No matter who is at the helm, there are several things that must change for Manchester United to be returned to its former glories:

• Tactical Discipline: Ten Hag has been accused of tactical decisions, and a new manager will have to institute a distinct strategy that takes advantage of the best in the squad.
• Player Mentality: United players have been accused of not having the mental strength to deliver under pressure. A change in mentality is required to perform consistently at the top level.
• Squad Reinforcements: The squad has to be bolstered, especially where depth is needed. United needs a more solid transfer approach to make sure it has the arsenal to contend.
• Club Unity: The conflicts between management, players, and fans must be mended. Unity alone will allow Manchester United to get back to the pinnacle.

Conclusion: The End of Ten Hag's Era?

While the dust settles over the humiliating loss in Bilbao, the immediate future of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United hangs in the balance. With pressure mounting for him to be sacked and the team's performances failing to deliver, it's clear that something must change—whether through a change of manager or a change of approach by the club.

In the end, the choice is with the club's hierarchy, but one thing is certain: Manchester United cannot continue to limp along without direction and underwhelming results. The next few weeks might be pivotal in deciding whether Ten Hag stays in command or the club goes a different way.

Blogfuel will keep you posted with all the latest news on this developing story. Stay tuned!