UNITED VIEW: Tense times at Old Trafford

Several journalists were barred from Erik ten Hag’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

The club stated that the action was for posting articles about the club without allowing them to comment on the stories, as United’s fractured relationship with the media continues to deteriorate.

This came after the club’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, with numerous reports claiming that some players were beginning to question Erik ten Hag’s coaching style.

In response, the manager said there were no issues in his squad, stating “I listen to my players and I give them opportunities to tell, if the player has a different opinion, of course, I will listen.”

He went on to add “In general, the majority, they want to play like this – proactive, dynamic, brave.”

The manager later used the games against Galatasaray and Everton as evidence of the players buying into his vision.

“We are on a journey, a route, we know we are still a team in transition, but we are in the right direction, you see it how we construct a team, develop it, the team is progressing, how young players coming in and you see the potential how they can contribute to a very successful Manchester United in the future.’

It’s hard to picture a successful Manchester United team anytime soon, to be honest.

The defeat to Newcastle was deserved, albeit not many have come away from St James’ with points this season.

United were far off it, as they have been for much of this season.

I do still believe the manager can deliver, but right now it feels like United are in survival mode once again.

And with a brutal run of games in December against the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, the Reds will need to dig deep.

The Chelsea match hasn’t been played at the time of writing; therefore, I can’t comment on the result, however, it feels very frosty around Old Trafford currently.

Regardless of the outcome of the match, the pre-match press conference is just another example of the club putting up its defences.

Saturday’s match against Bournemouth is another must-win.

It’s a game the Reds should win, although they have found it hard to put teams away at Old Trafford this season. Each win at home this season has come by only a one-goal margin – except for the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

Amidst the turmoil, Marcus Rashford also received criticism for his performance against Newcastle and right now, he should be dropped. Based on form alone, he needs to earn his place back in the side.

Something he is more than capable of doing based on his output last season.

The England international often gets held to a very high standard and as one of the senior figures of the squad he needs to stand up and be counted during a difficult time for the club.

To reiterate he’s got the talent to do so, fans are just looking for some application.

As the manager said, United are a team in transition. I’m not quite sure what they’re transitioning into and nor do they by the looks of things.

There have been moments of quality shining through but not even to pinpoint what exactly United’s identity is.

Ten Hag wants his side to be the best transition team in the world but right now they’re far off it. The Newcastle defeat was a stark reminder of that, as the Magpies continue to be on an upward trajectory despite their setbacks with injuries, meanwhile, the Reds look like a team unsure of themselves.

It’s unlikely much will change until the takeover nonsense is resolved. Hopefully, the Reds can pick up some wins in the meantime.