Christmas date! Greeting the inmates of a nearby nursing home with a smile ❤️

Manchester United man’s year in review is a first half of success and a second half of horror

In 2023, Erik ten Hag was reigning supreme at Old Trafford. He had maintained the adoration of the Manchester United faithful and was on the verge of achieving a historic 2-1 triumph over Manchester City.

In addition to this, the Dutchman won the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United and recorded a remarkable two-legged victory over Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona.

After 12 losses across all competitions and a group stage exit from the Champions League, the former Ajax boss appears to have lost that adulation and unwavering backing heading into 2024.

The Dutchman’s year-end summary is presented here.

Image credit: Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images, from the Emirates FA Cup semi-final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.Initial period of achievementIt has already been said that United and Ten Hag had the best first half of 2023. With their trophy, Champions League berth, and FA Cup final appearance, United had a successful season.

Despite playing tҺrilling, expansive football and missing Lisandro Martinez in the Europa League match against Sevilla due to ιnjury, they managed to accomplish all of this.

The Red Devils lost the FA Cup final 2-1 against City at Wembley, despite the Dutchman’s rallying speech. They had chances to win the game.While a 4-0 victory over Chelsea certainly deserves recognition, the 7-0 thrashing at the hands of an underperforming Liverpool side undoubtedly hurt.

During the offseason, the Dutchman was heavily targeted by transfer rumors, but it’s safe to assume that these rumors were the catalyst for the club’s and manager’s collapse in the second part of the year.

Lethargic second halfThe club’s collapse may have been hastened in large part by the transfers that the Dutchman sought, in contrast to 2022, when the same signings contributed to the club’s top-four finish.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount cost Manchester United £55 million, but he has failed to score since joining the club. Mount is out with an ιnjury.

As a replacement for David De Gea, Andre Onana has been one of the most impressive signings thus far.

Regardless, the Red Devils’ advancement to the Champions League knockout rounds was hindered by the Cameroon international’s mistakes, especially against Galatasaray.

While Rasmus Hojlund has no goals in the Premier League, he does have five goals in Europe. Both Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Regulion have performed about as expected for Manchester United.

The fact that United’s most important acquisition, the 35-year-old Jonny Evans, has been a pleasant stopgap, but it’s a terrible reflection of the club’s market troubles.

These decisions are entirely on Ten Hag, and his style of play this season is completely out of sync with the team he assembled.

The Red Devils have let a lot of goals slip through their fingers and have been repeatedly exposed in the middle of the field. One bright spot for the Dutchman this year might be the slow but steady incorporation of Kobbie Mainoo.

There is no denying the data. Twelve losses across all competitions this season is the same as last season’s total.

By the end of 2024, if he maintains this dismal record, a new manager will have taken over.