“I have said this multiple times but this is the final straw. Just get him out now before it’s too late” – This is according to Manchester United legend Gary Neville as he claims that Ratcliffe needs to remove a Manchester United figure who performed poorly, scoring just 1 out of 10, in the match against Liverpool.

On Sunday, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, took on the formidable challenge of the London Marathon, demonstrating his stamina and perseverance. He completed the race in a commendable four hours and 30 minutes, showcasing significant endurance and physical capability. However, his marathon achievement was merely a prelude to the day’s further demands.

Shortly after finishing the marathon, Ratcliffe swiftly moved from one major event to another. Within just an hour, he was at Wembley Stadium to watch Manchester United compete against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final. The transition from marathon runner to football spectator highlighted the frenetic pace of his day. Despite his fatigue from the marathon, Ratcliffe saw Manchester United narrowly secure their place in the final, underscoring the team’s ability to withstand pressure.

This achievement marks Manchester United’s second consecutive final appearance under Erik ten Hag’s management. Last season, ten Hag guided the team to a Carabao Cup victory, showcasing his potential as a capable manager. Nonetheless, recent performances have cast doubt on his long-term effectiveness. The team’s success in reaching finals does not necessarily reflect overall progress, as Manchester United seems to be facing significant challenges elsewhere.

The current situation at Manchester United under ten Hag is a subject of considerable debate. Although ten Hag arrived with a strong reputation from his successful stint at Ajax, this season has been less than ideal. Despite reaching the FA Cup final, the team’s overall performance has been lackluster. Their early exit from the Champions League group stages and their current seventh-place standing in the Premier League, trailing by 16 points from a top-four position, highlight their ongoing struggles. For a club with Manchester United’s stature, consistently competing for the league title is a fundamental expectation, yet they are falling short of this basic standard.

Manchester United’s problems are numerous and complex. A major issue is their defensive performance. Since February, they have conceded seven goals during injury time, revealing a critical vulnerability. While some might view this as bad luck, the underlying issue seems to be flawed defensive strategies. According to Understat, Manchester United is the fifth-worst team in the Premier League for expected goals against (xGA), with a troubling total of 63.61. This statistic places them among teams fighting relegation, such as Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United.

In contrast, Arsenal boasts the best defensive record in the league, with an xGA of just 25.89, highlighting Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings. Offensively, the team is also struggling. Despite scoring three goals at Wembley, they rank 12th in the league for expected goals (xG), with a total of 50.36, placing them below even lower-performing teams like Everton.

The statistical evidence paints a grim picture for Manchester United. Additionally, ten Hag’s in-game decisions have faced criticism. His substitutions in the semi-final against Coventry, such as replacing the lively Garnacho with the underperforming Antony and later swapping Kobbie Mainoo for the experienced Christian Eriksen, were controversial. These decisions suggested a lack of faith in his more dynamic players and ultimately did not prevent Coventry’s resurgence.

Ten Hag’s tactical choices have not gone unnoticed. Prior to the intense Wembley match, he was already under considerable scrutiny, which only intensified following the semi-final. Critics, such as Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, have been particularly harsh, with ten Hag’s handling of the match rated as a mere 1/10. This severe critique reflects the growing sentiment that ten Hag’s tenure may be approaching its end.

The widening gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s elite teams raises serious questions about the club’s future under ten Hag. The new ownership might soon need to make a critical decision regarding his position, as the current trajectory suggests significant changes are necessary to restore Manchester United to its former prominence.