If Erik ten Hag had hoped for a fresh start after last Wednesday’s comprehensive 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace in the Carabou Cup, then he certainly didn’t get it. With Man Utd’s 1-0 defeat to the same side at Old Trafford on Saturday and a 3-2 collapse against Galatasaray on Tuesday, he has now set five astonishing records he would have never wanted.
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Man Utd Set Fifth New Record After Crushing 3-2 Defeat to Galatasaray
Erik ten Hag’s Side Collapse Under the Spotlight
Fans at Old Trafford were stunned on Tuesday night after the Red Devils suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat to Turkish champions Galatasaray. United should have cruised to victory after taking control of the fixture in the 67th minute from Rasmus Hojlund’s second of the game.
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However, lapses in concentration led to an immediate response by Muhammed Akturkoglu bringing the game level just four minutes later. Next, a shocking misplaced pass from Andre Onana forced Casemiro into a desperate lunge for the ball, resulting in a penalty and a second yellow card.
Despite Mauro Icardi’s failure to convert from 12 yards, he was cool and composed when set through on goal in the 81st minute, lobbing the Cameroon international with ease.
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Erik ten Hag Makes Unwanted History
The Reds’ start to the 2023/24 campaign has been a disaster. While their head coach could point to the shocking injury crisis that has left his team without star players such as Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, many will feel that his side still possesses the quality to perform far better than they have.
Here are five shocking records set by Man Utd under Erik ten Hag this season:
(1) The 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray marks the first time in their history that United have lost their opening two UEFA Champions League Matches.
(2) Before Tuesday night, the club had never conceded seven goals in their opening two Champions League games.
(3) Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace resulted in the first time the Red Devils have lost four of their opening seven Premier League fixtures.
(4) Nine points is United’s lowest-ever tally seven games into a Premier League season.
(5) Their losses to Brighton, Arsenal and Bayern Munich were the first time since 1978 that the Reds conceded three goals or more in three consecutive games.
Man Utd Desperate for Victory at Old Trafford vs Brentford
Manchester United face 14th-placed Brentford FC at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon and will be begging for three points after their disastrous start to the season.
While their Dutch manager may be haunted by memories of a 4-0 defeat to the Bees early in his reign, he may take some solace from the fact he will be in front of his home crowd. Their record against Thomas Frank’s side is strong, with the Manchester side victorious in three of their last four meetings.
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However, another loss will place Erik ten Hag amongst more unwanted history, as United have not lost to Brentford in their last five home ties, a record that stretches back to 1939. A third consecutive league defeat at Old Trafford would also be a first for the club since February 1979.
It remains to be seen whether the squad can be galvanised and go again after such a crushing blow, with their start to the Premier League season disappointing many fans and their Champions League hopes already in doubt.
