In a tumultuous period for Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag faces mounting pressure following a dismal start to the 2024-25 season. After a mixed bag of performances last year that included a third-place finish in the Premier League and a Carabao Cup victory, the team's trajectory has taken a sharp downturn.

The previous campaign saw United securing silverware and a solid league finish, but Ten Hag's second season is proving to be a stark contrast. The club's eighth-place finish in the league last term was a wake-up call, and their early exit from the Champions League has only added to the problems. While an FA Cup final victory against rivals Manchester City was a silver lining, it hasn’t alleviated the surrounding malaise.

Following a humiliating defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, pundits have been vocal about the urgent need for a change. Former Premier League star Robbie Savage suggested that Ten Hag's "time might be up," while Gary Neville characterized the latest performance as one of the worst under the Dutchman. “It felt like one of those days where they sank really low,” he remarked, echoing concerns that the club is at a breaking point.

Ashley Young, a former United player, has gone so far as to call for a "crisis meeting" among the players, asserting that the team's morale is dangerously low. The dire situation on the pitch has stirred discussions about the club's leadership and direction, with fans and experts alike questioning Ten Hag's future.

Phil Jones, a former defender for United, pointed to the lack of effective pressing and the team’s struggles to maintain form, acknowledging the enormity of the challenge ahead. "These players have to solve it, even if it means by discussions among themselves," he urged, adding that tough matches lie ahead.

In a show of defiance, Ten Hag attempted to remain optimistic, asserting, "it is always a new day." He acknowledged the team's mistakes and their loss of confidence but maintained that he was not worried about his position, emphasizing that everyone at the club is united in their goals. “I don’t have that concern,” he stated, referring to the strategy laid out during the summer review.

The match against Tottenham was marred by controversy, particularly due to Bruno Fernandes' red card, which Ten Hag insisted altered the game's outcome. While Fernandes admitted his fault in the tackle, he argued that the straight red was unwarranted. Fallout from the decision has led to further discussions about officiating standards in pivotal matches.

Despite their challenges, Tottenham displayed remarkable skill, capitalizing on United's vulnerabilities. Spurred on by manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs delivered a masterclass performance, winning decisively and maintaining their position near the top of the league table.

As the dust settles on yet another disappointing outing for Manchester United, the looming question remains: Can Ten Hag turn this ship around, or is it time for the club to seek new leadership? With pressure mounting from all sides and a critical few weeks ahead, the fate of both the manager and the team hangs in the balance.