Manchester United did not make it to the Champions league due to a poor showing last season when they ended sixth in the last Premier League, but now they will play the second division of European football. This is the first time it has happened since the 2019-2020 season.
Soon, they will face their first match against a Spanish team and against Sheriff, who have defeated Real Madrid in the last season. Ten Hag definitely would want to win on these occasions in a bid to make up for the fact that his team did not qualify for the Champions League this year.
Many are shocked at Ten Hag’s decision on removing Phil Jones and
as they are quite well known among Manchester United supporters. Jones was reportedly kicked out from the first team’s changing room and will now sit on the bench.
As it is, in the Premier League, the midfielder is having issues getting a consistent time on the field. It is rumoured that Donny Van de Beek will stand a chance to play a significant role in the Europa League representing Manchester United. There are six other midfielders, namely Casemiro, Eriksen, Fred, Fernandes and McTominay.
Having multiple qualified players is a positive point for Ten Hag as Pellistri, Antony, Rashford, Martial, Ronaldo, Garnacho and Sancho were all selected to be on the field. This would then give United the chance to beef up their attacking spots.
Manchester United’s performance against Arsenal was a turning point for the team as they had broken the Gunner’s winning streak. This is giving hope to United’s fans as they were dashed in the earlier part of the Premier League’s season.
However, trouble is arising for Cristiano Ronaldo as there may be times where he is selected to play but sports commentator Garth Crooks says that he has to get used to being on the bench. This is due to United having young players like Rashford getting his scoring spree back.
Furthermore, Ronaldo’s constant desire to leave the team being blasted in the media does not look too kindly on him. Rashford had proven himself under Ronaldo’s absence and scored three goals within six games. Ronaldo may find it challenging to regain his position in the centre of the field now.
Garth Crooks then stated “Erik ten Hag has made the right decision of course. Rashford is part of United’s future and Ronaldo, sadly, is part of United’s past. It comes to all great players of course. However it’s time to see if Rashford can take United back to the glory days. That is what he must achieve if he is to lead United’s attack and leave Ronaldo on the bench.
“To do that Rashford must score goals and plenty of them. He looked good against Arsenal and took both his goals well but in order to be the best he will need to keep focused to maintain the consistency that was lacking last season.”