Is Manchester United’s Away Form Signaling a Deeper Crisis?
Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United aren’t in crisis, but the numbers tell a different story. With four defeats in their last five matches—including a humbling 3-1 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford—and a dismal 13th-place Premier League standing, the pressure is mounting. While Ten Hag ended United’s six-year trophy drought last season with the Carabao Cup and secured a top-three finish, the club’s away form remains a glaring weakness.
The Away Record: A Statistical Nightmare
Since Ten Hag took charge, United have been alarmingly poor on the road, particularly against top-half teams. Key stats reveal:
- 1 point earned away against last season’s top nine clubs.
- 6 consecutive Premier League away losses in London, their worst run since 2015-16.
- 38 goals conceded in away league matches under Ten Hag, compared to just 15 at home.
Former United captain Roy Keane didn’t mince words: “This record is a bad reflection on the group. They lack personality when the pressure is on.”
Bruno Fernandes and Ten Hag have struggled to find solutions for United’s away struggles.
Tactical Breakdown: Where Are United Failing?
Defensive Fragility
United’s backline collapses under pressure. Last season, they conceded seven at Liverpool, six at Man City, and four in the first half at Brentford. This season, defeats to Arsenal (3-1) and Tottenham (2-0) followed the same pattern—early goals and a lack of resilience.
Mentality Issues
Ten Hag has openly criticized his squad’s mentality: “We must show more personality in away games.” Stats support his claim:
- 10 points dropped from winning positions on the road.
- Lower xG (expected goals) and fewer attacking risks taken compared to home matches.
Can Ten Hag Fix It?
The Dutchman has dismissed the idea that away games are inherently different: “The pitch is the same size. We must make it our game.” Yet, his side continues to struggle with:
- Inconsistent midfield control (Casemiro’s dip in form, lack of a true No. 6).
- Over-reliance on individual brilliance (Rashford’s hot-and-cold form).
- Injuries and off-field distractions (Sancho’s exile, Antony’s absence).
Gary Neville summed it up: “For the money spent, this squad should be performing better.”
The Road Ahead: Burnley & Beyond
United’s next test is a trip to Burnley—a chance to reverse their away woes. But with Bayern Munich looming in the Champions League and a tricky October fixture list, Ten Hag must act fast.
Ten Hag faces mounting scrutiny as United’s away form continues to disappoint.
Final Verdict: Crisis or Rough Patch?
While Betbuzz365 experts argue United aren’t yet in a full-blown crisis, the trends are alarming. Without immediate improvement, Ten Hag’s project risks derailment. For now, the question remains: Can this team find their backbone on the road?
What do you think? Share your thoughts on United’s struggles in the comments below or explore more in-depth analysis on Betbuzz365.
