Manchester United out of Champions League in their worst-ever campaign
Manchester United’s return to the Champions League was perceived as a crucial chapter in Erik ten Hag’s narrative as the transformative force reinvigorating the worn-out Old Trafford. The intention was clear: to affirm that United had reclaimed their rightful place following the setbacks and struggles of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho (despite his League Cup and Europa League victories), and more recently, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Initially, Ten Hag showcased tangible success with a League Cup triumph in his inaugural season. However, the dismal performance in this Champions League campaign serves as a stark gauge of Manchester United’s current standing and the effectiveness of their manager. The once-glorious transformer now appears closer to being a fading influence.
This campaign has unfolded as a shocking revelation, delivering a harsh reality check as United concluded at the bottom of a group they might have welcomed during the draw, lagging behind Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen, and Galatasaray.
The Champions League, known for its uncompromising nature, laid bare every flaw within the United squad, and they were not lacking in vulnerabilities. The culmination was disappointingly tepid, with a United team that should have been assertive succumbing 1-0 to a Bayern side with nothing at stake. In the process, Ten Hag’s players managed just one shot on target.
This performance was a far cry from the electric Old Trafford nights of yore when fans remained glued to their seats until the final whistle. Understandably, thousands of United supporters had abandoned hope and left well before the match’s conclusion – a decision difficult to fault given the lacklustre display on the pitch.