Ten Hag draws damning Rangnick comparison as ‘frustrated’ Man Utd blasted for lack of ‘cohesion’
Manchester United put in a “Ralf Rangnick performance” as the “frustrated” side lacked “cohesion” during their Premier League loss to Aston Villa.
United came into the game in a very good run of form. Indeed, the Red Devils had been on a nine-game unbeaten streak before facing Villa.
Their last loss before that run was the 6-3 demolition at the hands of their rivals Manchester City. During their unbeaten run, United beat Tottenham, Everton and West Ham United in the league.
Indeed, in a game against a side who had won just three league games this season, that run would have been expected to be extended.
However, that was not the case, and the performance was not one of a team that looked particularly solid.
Villa were let in straight away, as Leon Bailey tucked away a chance inside seven minutes. The home side’s lead was doubled four minutes later, through Lucas Digne.
United clawed one back just before half-time, as Jacob Ramsey put the ball into his own net. The midfielder made up for it in the second half, though, this time scoring at the right end.
The game finished at that scoreline, 3-1 to Villa; United’s loss was their fourth in the league this season.
Ten Hag tarred with Rangnick brush
Former Arsenal footballer Perry Groves felt United’s frustrations were clear, and they had regressed to performing below the standards that Erik ten Hag has set.
“Man United are very frustrated, they look disjointed,” he said on talkSPORT.
“This performance for Man United has been like a Ralf Rangnick performance.
“There’s no cohesion whatsoever. Erik ten Hag should’ve made substitutions earlier.”
Ten Hag will not be too enamoured with hearing his side have performed as they did under Rangnick. The former manager failed to inspire United into the league’s top three for the first time in three seasons.
His side were publicly criticised on a number of occasions for their performances last season. Until now, Ten Hag has had his side playing better football than they did under the previous boss.
Ten Hag lost tactical battle
Groves also felt that new Villa boss Unai Emery outthought his counterpart.
“On the tactical side Unai Emery has won that battle because from the beginning of the second half he basically went 4-4-2,” he said.
“Two banks of four, seeing if Man United have been able to break them down and they haven’t.”
United will hope for more success in their upcoming fixtures. For now, a loss to a team in the bottom half of the table will hurt the club and the manager.
