Manchester United’s Struggles This Season: A Closer Look

It’s fair to say that Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign has been nothing short of disappointing. The Red Devils currently find themselves stuck in mid-table, having only managed to secure seven points from their first six Premier League games.

Pressure Mounts on Erik ten Hag

Manager Erik ten Hag is feeling the heat, and recent reports suggest that his position is under serious scrutiny. While his role isn’t considered untenable yet, a meeting between the club’s owners and the new football hierarchy is set to take place on Tuesday following the match against Aston Villa, according to journalist Adam Crafton. This meeting could determine the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford.

United’s Poor Start in Numbers

The statistics reveal just how much United have struggled this season. With only two wins (against Fulham and Southampton) and a single draw against Crystal Palace, United’s seven points are far below expectations. The three remaining games have all ended in defeat.

According to data from Understat, United’s performance has been underwhelming across the board. Despite accumulating an expected goals tally of 10.81, they’ve only managed to score five goals. Astonishingly, only Southampton had scored fewer goals prior to the weekend, with just three.

The numbers paint a grim picture, highlighting that United’s current woes go far beyond simple misfortune.

Lisandro Martinez’s Underwhelming Season

One of the players coming under scrutiny is Lisandro Martinez. After a solid start at Old Trafford, the Argentine has faced a difficult season. Ridiculed for his height when he first arrived, Martinez quickly won over fans with his performances. However, a string of injuries last season, which saw him miss 42 games and over 188 days for club and country, has left him struggling to regain his top form.

Since joining United, Martinez has made 68 appearances, scoring once against Arsenal and providing a single assist. He has also contributed to 26 clean sheets, three of which have come this season. Despite these stats, his form in 2024/25 has been heavily criticized.

Tactical Issues Exposing Martinez

Journalist Alex Turk noted that Martinez is having a “seriously stinky season” but argued that Ten Hag’s tactical setup is partly to blame. The manager’s decision to have right-back Diogo Dalot push into midfield during attacks has left Martinez, the left-sided center-back, with large areas of the pitch to cover. This tactic has exposed Martinez’s limitations, such as his speed and inability to cover long distances effectively, which has contributed to United’s defensive instability.

One example of this tactical flaw occurred on Thursday night against Porto. As the video clip shows, Martinez was left out of position, allowing the Portuguese side to capitalize and score their third goal.

What’s Next for United and Ten Hag?

With the team struggling and Ten Hag’s tactics coming under fire, United’s leadership is under immense pressure to turn things around. The upcoming meeting with the club’s hierarchy will be pivotal in determining whether Ten Hag remains in charge or if changes will be made to salvage the season.