**Critical Analysis: Erik ten Hag's Struggles at Manchester United by the Numbers** As Manchester United prepares to face Brentford this Saturday, the focus is once again on manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach is facing mounting pressure due to his team's disappointing start to the season, and the statistics reveal a troubling trend that aligns with the visible struggles on the pitch. Under ten Hag's leadership, Manchester United has consistently underperformed, raising concerns about the direction of the team. The data highlights significant issues that have persisted for some time, painting a grim picture of the club's current state. As the team gears up for their next match, all eyes will be on ten Hag to see if he can turn things around and address the alarming trends that have emerged during his tenure.

Erik ten Hag has expressed confidence in his relationship with the Manchester United ownership, stating that he has received no signals indicating a loss of their support. Following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, which marked the club's worst start to a Premier League season, Ten Hag acknowledged the mounting pressure to improve results. United's co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, did not publicly endorse Ten Hag during recent comments, but the manager emphasized that he has maintained open and transparent communication with the club's hierarchy. Currently, United sits 14th in the league, just five points above the relegation zone, having failed to secure a win in their last five matches across all competitions and managing to score only five goals in seven games. When asked about his standing with the ownership, Ten Hag stated, “I don’t have any idea that is different because they should have told me [if not]. We communicate very openly and transparently.” He anticipates further discussions with the board in the coming days as the team seeks to turn its fortunes around.

In the aftermath of Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, pundit Danny Murphy highlighted key areas of concern for manager Erik Ten Hag. Murphy emphasized that the team's performance was lacking both in possession and defensively, raising alarms about their overall strategy and execution. Murphy pointed out that United struggled to maintain control of the ball, often losing possession in critical areas, which allowed Spurs to capitalize on their mistakes. This inability to effectively manage the game with the ball at their feet was compounded by a disorganized defense that failed to track opponents and maintain shape when out of possession. The former player noted that these issues not only hindered United's attacking potential but also exposed them to counterattacks, leading to a comprehensive defeat. Murphy suggested that Ten Hag must address these fundamental problems quickly to avoid further setbacks in the season. Overall, the performance against Tottenham served as a wake-up call for Manchester United, with Murphy urging the coaching staff to reassess their tactics and instill a stronger sense of discipline and cohesion within the squad.