Manchester United’s 8 worst matches under Erik Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag took over at Manchester United in the summer of 2022 with the aim of bringing back the club’s glory days. While there have been notable improvements under his tenure, some matches have exposed serious flaws, resulting in painful defeats for fans. Below, we explore eight of the worst matches Manchester United has endured under Ten Hag’s management.

1. Brentford 4-0 Manchester United (August 13, 2022)

One of the first major setbacks under Ten Hag came in just his second league game. Brentford ran riot in the first half, scoring four goals in the opening 35 minutes. The defensive frailties, along with individual errors from David de Gea and Lisandro Martínez, were on full display. United looked completely out of sorts, and the defeat left them at the bottom of the Premier League table, sparking an early crisis under Ten Hag.

2. Manchester City 6-3 Manchester United (October 2, 2022)

The Manchester derby at the Etihad turned into a nightmare for United as they were completely outclassed by their cross-town rivals. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both netted hat-tricks, and City were 4-0 up at halftime. While United grabbed three consolation goals, the scoreline didn’t reflect how dominant City were. This loss exposed United’s lack of defensive organization and their inability to cope with top-tier opposition.

3. Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United (March 5, 2023)

One of the most humiliating defeats in Manchester United’s history occurred at Anfield, where they were thrashed 7-0 by fierce rivals Liverpool. After a competitive first half, United fell apart in the second half, conceding six goals. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Núñez all scored braces, with Roberto Firmino adding the seventh. The defeat was a brutal reminder of how fragile United’s confidence could be when put under intense pressure, raising doubts about their mental toughness.

4. Manchester United 0-3 Sevilla (April 20, 2023, Europa League)

After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Manchester United were favorites to progress to the Europa League semifinals. However, a disastrous night in Seville saw United eliminated from the competition. A defensive error from Harry Maguire led to Sevilla’s opening goal, and United never recovered. Sevilla took full advantage of the mistakes and outplayed United, winning 3-0 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate. This defeat ended United’s European ambitions for the season.

5. Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United (November 6, 2022)

In Unai Emery’s first game in charge of Aston Villa, United were stunned by a quickfire double in the opening minutes, going down 2-0 within 11 minutes. Luke Shaw’s deflected goal before halftime gave United a lifeline, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jacob Ramsey scored Villa’s third. United looked lethargic and struggled to match Villa’s intensity throughout the game, resulting in a deserved defeat.

6. Newcastle United 2-0 Manchester United (April 2, 2023)

In this crucial top-four clash, Newcastle dominated Manchester United from start to finish. Joe Willock and Callum Wilson scored the goals, but it was Newcastle’s control in midfield that stood out. United were unable to impose themselves, with their midfield and attack lacking any real cohesion or intensity. This defeat raised questions about United’s ability to maintain their push for a top-four finish as they were leapfrogged by Newcastle in the Premier League standings.

7. Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City (October 29, 2023)

Another derby humiliation came in October 2023, as Manchester United were dismantled by City at Old Trafford. Erling Haaland scored twice, including a penalty, and assisted Phil Foden for the third goal in a performance that showcased the massive gap between the two clubs. United were passive and outplayed in every department. It was a sobering reminder of how far behind City they still were under Ten Hag, both tactically and in terms of squad depth.

8. Galatasaray 3-2 Manchester United (October 3, 2023, Champions League)

In a dramatic Champions League group-stage encounter, United threw away their lead twice and were punished by Galatasaray in Istanbul. Despite taking the lead through Rasmus Højlund, defensive errors and poor game management allowed Galatasaray to equalize and eventually win the match 3-2. United’s Champions League hopes were left hanging by a thread, and the defeat highlighted their defensive vulnerability and lack of composure in critical moments.

While Erik ten Hag has overseen progress at Manchester United, these eight matches show that there is still much work to be done. From defensive collapses to tactical naivety in key fixtures, United have endured some tough lessons under the Dutchman. These defeats, though painful, highlight the challenges of rebuilding a club with the weight of history and expectations pressing down.