When Erik ten Hag was appointed as Manchester United’s manager, expectations were sky-high. With a proven track record at Ajax, many fans hoped he would bring success and stability back to Old Trafford. However, despite some early promise, his tenure has also been marked by several embarrassing moments that have left fans questioning the club’s direction. Here’s a look at some of the most humiliating episodes of Ten Hag’s time in charge. 
1. The 7-0 Thrashing by Liverpool (March 2023)
Nothing could have prepared Manchester United fans for the absolute demolition they witnessed at Anfield. A 7-0 loss to your fiercest rivals is a bitter pill to swallow, and this was exactly what happened when Erik Ten Hag Manchester United side collapsed in a catastrophic second half against Liverpool. It was United’s worst-ever defeat in the Premier League, with pundits and fans alike left in shock. This game will forever be etched in Ten Hag’s managerial record as one of his darkest days.
2. Brentford 4-0 United: A Nightmare Start (August 2022)
Early in Ten Hag’s first season, United were expected to brush aside Brentford. Instead, they were torn apart in one of the most shocking first halves in Premier League history. Conceding four goals in just 35 minutes, United’s defense was a shambles, and the team’s lack of fight was alarming. It was a humiliating wake-up call for the new manager, who admitted afterward that his tactics and preparation were to blame.
3. City’s Dominance in the 6-3 Manchester Derby (October 2022)
Ten Hag’s introduction to the Manchester Derby was nothing short of a horror show. United were blown away by City’s attacking prowess, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scoring hat-tricks. Despite a few consolation goals, it was clear that United were miles behind their local rivals. The 6-3 defeat highlighted the gap in quality, with United unable to cope with City’s relentless attacking.
4. Sevilla Humiliates United in the Europa League (April 2023)
European success was one of the goals set for Ten Hag, but his Europa League campaign ended in embarrassing fashion. After a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in the first leg, where United threw away a two-goal lead due to two own goals, Sevilla completely outplayed them in the return leg in Spain. A 3-0 defeat sent United crashing out of the tournament, leaving fans frustrated at yet another lackluster display in a crucial game.
5. Back-to-Back Defeats to Brighton (2023)
Brighton became a team Ten Hag would rather forget in 2023. First, they stunned United with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in the season opener, exposing the Red Devils’ defensive weaknesses. Later in the season, a 1-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium further hurt United’s chances of securing a Champions League spot. Losing twice to a team with significantly less firepower was an embarrassment that highlighted United’s struggle against well-drilled sides.
6. The Villa Park Disaster (November 2022)
Aston Villa had been struggling before facing Manchester United, but under new manager Unai Emery, they ran riot at Villa Park. United were outclassed in a 3-1 defeat, with Ten Hag’s tactics once again under scrutiny. The loss ended United’s nine-game unbeaten streak and served as another reminder that the team was far from the finished article.
7. City Run Riot Again: A 3-0 Loss at Old Trafford (October 2023)
If the first derby of Ten Hag’s tenure wasn’t bad enough, the second was even worse. City once again humiliated United, this time at Old Trafford, with a dominant 3-0 victory. The Red Devils were thoroughly outplayed, and the result cast further doubt on Ten Hag’s ability to compete against the Premier League’s elite clubs.
While Erik ten Hag has certainly had his moments of success with Manchester United, these embarrassing defeats have shown that there is still a long way to go. Defensive frailties, tactical naivety, and a lack of consistency have haunted his tenure so far. If he’s to succeed at United, Ten Hag will need to find a way to address these issues and prove that the team can bounce back from adversity.
As the pressure mounts, fans will be hoping these moments of embarrassment are simply part of the growing pains of rebuilding a once-great club. However, only time will tell if Ten Hag can learn from these setbacks and bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
