Erik Ten Hag Under Pressure as Manchester United Struggles Continue

Erik Ten Hag may have narrowly escaped the sack during the summer, with Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City seemingly keeping him in the hot seat. However, with results continuing to go against the Dutchman, it appears that his time at Old Trafford may be running out. The crisis facing Manchester United presents intriguing opportunities for bettors looking to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding the club.

The Damning Data Behind United’s Struggles

Manchester United’s struggles are well documented, and last season saw the club endure its worst-ever Premier League finish, landing in 8th place. The football produced by Ten Hag’s side reflected that poor standing, with their underlying stats painting an even bleaker picture. According to expected points (xP) data, United should have finished the season with just 44.52 points, which would have placed them 15th in the league.

Defensive frailties were a major issue throughout the campaign, as United conceded the second-most shots in the Premier League, allowing an average of 17.55 attempts per game. This led to a dismal expected goals against (xGA) figure of 1.84 per match, putting them among the league’s worst defensive sides.

While Ten Hag has tried to shore up the defence this season, the problems have shifted to the attacking end. Manchester United are struggling for goals, averaging a paltry 0.83 goals per Premier League game, ranking among the lowest-scoring teams. Only Southampton has found the net less frequently, leaving the Red Devils looking toothless in front of goal.

Betting Opportunities as Ten Hag Faces Uncertain Future

The pressure on Ten Hag has only intensified with Manchester United’s poor start to the season. After six matches, United have picked up just seven points, with a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham highlighting their deepening crisis. Tottenham’s xG of 4.59 in that match was the highest any team has managed in the Premier League so far this season, further underlining United’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Despite a £200 million summer spending spree, United have not improved, and with only two games remaining before the international break, Ten Hag’s job hangs in the balance. The club faces two critical away matches, travelling to Porto in the Europa League before facing a high-flying Aston Villa side. With just seven wins from their last 20 competitive matches, United could see the gap to Aston Villa widen to six points if they lose this weekend.

For bettors, this presents an intriguing opportunity. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, have been in superb form, losing just once this season and scoring an average of 2.13 goals per game. Villa finished fourth last season, 28 points clear of United, and they will be confident heading into the weekend clash.

With Ten Hag’s future hanging by a thread, betting markets such as ‘Premier League Manager to Leave Post’ could offer value for those looking to take advantage of the growing uncertainty at Old Trafford. Keep an eye on the odds as the pressure mounts on the Manchester United boss.