Manchester United's Future Under Eric Ten Hag: Insights from Crystal Palace Clash

 

Future of Eric Ten Hag in Manchester United

If there is discussion over Eric Ten Hag's future at Manchester United, then Sir Jim Ratcliffe's reservations have been thoroughly erased. Even in that season of constant crises for their squad, one of the most painful evenings of the Dutchman's tenure was made possible by a magnificent performance spurred on by the enchanted feet of Crystal Palace's Michael Olise.

Dependence on Beating Manchester City in FA Cup Final

After Tyreece Mitchell's goal, Olise's two goals, Jean-Philippe Mateta's 11th goal since Oliver Glasner's hiring matched Palace's league total, United's hopes of making it to Europe may now depend on defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. They defeated their opponents for the first time in Premier League history. Ten Hag found some solace in the knowledge that Palace was unable to locate their fifth player, even though they had tied the record with a late equalizer against United in December 1972. To put things in perspective, three days after that outcome, manager Frank O'Farrell was fired.

Facing a Significant Challenge

Ten Hag will have a difficult time motivating his disgruntled players in South London, but he should try to stay at least until the conclusion of the season. Palace has already won four of its last five games under Glasner's direction, and they appear a club not eager to let the season finish. But, as he watches from the stands of his old team, Gareth Southgate may be delighted with Eze's performance and happy to see Mark Guihi back in the mix, as his objective is to demonstrate his fitness for the Euros after a three-month absence. Olise was the star of the show.

A Potential Change of Heart

The forward, who was eligible for England, chose to play for the France U-21 team instead of Reading. The 22-year-old has been directly involved in 13 goals in his last nine games, so if he ever changes his mind, it will undoubtedly be taken into consideration.

United's Defensive Crisis

Due to injuries, United's injury list had two academy goalkeepers on the bench, four of whom had never played for a senior team. Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were out. After Johnny Evans' challenge, referee Jared Gillet created history by wearing the RefCam. A later date when the tape will be released. His first ruling was to reject Michel's penalty appeal.

Swift Recovery for Palace

But similar mistakes soon reappeared, as Palace soon found a way past United's porous defense. Olise showed off his prowess by spreading the ball to Kasimiro in the center circle after Daniel Munoz's throw-in, then racing into the penalty area to slot a crisp shot past Andre Onana. The judgment of Ten Hag was that "professionals shouldn't allow that." "This hasn't happened for the first time this season."

Missed Opportunities

Mateta's rebound shot could have been a hat-trick for Electric Olise in the opening twenty-three minutes if it hadn't gone past Onana. Gillet's decision to find that Rasmus Hojland had prevented former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson from reaching a cross ended hopes of a speedy equalizer.

Disappointment for Ten Hag

Olise's inability to take advantage of Kobi Maneu's error and score was fortunately not for United. Subsequently, Onana stopped Mateta's and Wil Hughes's fourth goal with a superb backheel while remaining nearly motionless. Ten Hag substituted Sofiane Amrabat for Anthony in an attempt to maintain a reasonable lead. The reason Kasimiro decided to take Munoz's ball by the byline and put Olise up for his fourth goal, however, is only known to him.

Standing Ovation

The suffering of United's defenders for the evening came to an end with a standing ovation for Olise and Eze's double replacement. To their credit, the away supporters sang all the way through, although it's unclear if their manager will make it through this campaign.