Manchester United faced a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, leaving the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table with just three points from their first three matches of the season.
The mounting pressure on manager Erik ten Hag is palpable, particularly after last season’s dismal finish of eighth, marking the club’s worst performance in the Premier League era.
As United hopes to rebound, the upcoming fixtures following the international break will be pivotal for the Dutchman’s strategy. With seven matches scheduled within 22 days, including the initiation of their Europa League campaign, United’s path ahead is demanding.
Upcoming Fixtures for Manchester United
United’s challenging schedule kicks off with an away match against newly-promoted Southampton on September 14. Southampton currently sits near the bottom of the table with three losses and only one goal this season.
Following this, United will host League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on September 17 before another tough away fixture against Crystal Palace on September 21.
The Europa League begins with a home game against Twente on September 25, followed by a Premier League clash against Tottenham on September 29, and concluding with a visit to Porto on October 3, before facing Aston Villa on October 6.
Comparative Toughness of Upcoming Opponents
Analyzing the fixtures, it’s clear that United will face tough competition. Comparatively, only six Premier League teams have a more challenging slate in the upcoming weeks.
The last season’s results against these opponents present a mixed bag; notably, United was defeated 4-0 by Crystal Palace and drew 2-2 with Tottenham, highlighting the need for improvement.
Importance of Cup Competitions
Ten Hag aims to capitalize on cup competitions for much-needed relief. A favorable draw against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup presents an opportunity for a strong push into the fourth round, while a solid start in the Europa League is essential following last season’s disappointment in the Champions League.
Though cup success could provide some respite, persistent struggles in the Premier League could jeopardize Ten Hag’s position, particularly against the backdrop of managerial speculation over the summer.
Ugarte’s Immediate Impact Required
New signing Manuel Ugarte’s integration will be crucial, especially after a lackluster performance from Casemiro against Liverpool exposed deficiencies in midfield. Ugarte’s energy and defensive capabilities will be needed immediately as Ten Hag seeks to rectify the team’s issues.
However, the challenge remains that adjustments to both personnel and system are necessary to address longstanding defensive problems. The recent match against Liverpool underlined vulnerabilities during transitions, which need to be corrected to avoid further setbacks.
Finishing Woes for Manchester United
Despite creating opportunities, United has only found the net twice in their opening three league matches, struggling with poor finishing that has left them with the division’s highest negative expected goals (xG) differential.
With nine missed big chances, the team ranks worst alongside Liverpool. Ten Hag is eager for the likes of Rasmus Hojlund to return from injury and contribute effectively to improve their scoring fortunes.
Need for a Positive Turnaround
The forthcoming two-week international break could serve as a reset for Ten Hag and his squad. With key players expected to return, there lies an opportunity to refine tactics and approach before returning to league action.
With upcoming fixtures against Tottenham, Porto, and Aston Villa, the necessity for momentum is crucial. A strong performance in these matches is imperative for United to avoid dropping further and facing intensified scrutiny as the season unfolds.
The team must initiate a positive shift this September if they hope to secure progress essential for the club’s ambitions.
