Erik ten Hag: “Judge Us at Season’s End” After Porto Draw

Erik ten Hag appeared to be facing a potential crisis with Manchester United as the final minutes ticked away at Estadio do Dragao. Having squandered a two-goal lead against Porto and with Bruno Fernandes sent off for a second time, a defeat loomed large. This loss wouldn’t have definitively ended Ten Hag’s tenure but it would have brought him closer to the brink. However, Harry Maguire’s late equalizer provided a momentary reprieve for the manager.

After the match, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of patience, urging fans to assess the team’s progress at the season’s end. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, speculation about his job security continues especially after a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham raised concerns that he had just two games to prove himself. Despite Ten Hag’s confidence in his players, statistics reveal troubling trends.

Since his arrival in 2022, no Premier League team has conceded three or more goals as often as United, who have done so 24 times. In their last 62 matches, they have allowed two goals on 31 occasions—the highest in the league. This season, although United has scored three goals in their last four European away matches, they have failed to win any and the draw against Porto highlighted a concerning trend of relinquishing leads.

United has gone five matches without a win in European competitions after initially leading by two goals in three of those games. As the pressure mounts, particularly ahead of their upcoming clash against Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag’s ability to motivate and inspire his players will be crucial. Former players have voiced concerns about the team’s morale suggesting that without significant improvement, Ten Hag’s position may come under serious scrutiny.