Manchester United owner Sir Jimcliffe has voiced his dissatisfaction with Erik Ten Hag for letting go of a remarkable goal-scorer who departed Man united for free and has since surpassed even Hujlund in goal-scorig prowess, tallying 15 goals and assists in just seven games

Manchester United’s owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed frustration with Erik ten Hag for allowing a highly skilled goal-scorer to leave the club on a free transfer. Since departing, the player has significantly outperformed United’s new striker, Rasmus Hojlund, tallying an impressive 15 goals and assists in just seven games.

Ten Hag’s decisions have been under increasing scrutiny as Manchester United grapples with inconsistent performances. Although Ten Hag remains confident that winning two trophies compensates for the team’s underwhelming league form, the results suggest otherwise. Despite the team seeming more organized from the top, giving Ten Hag another season following their FA Cup triumph has not delivered the expected improvements.

Over the summer, United made some promising signings, including Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. However, Yoro’s injury, which will keep him sidelined for months, raises concerns about his opportunities under Ten Hag this season. Meanwhile, United’s early results have been disappointing, with only three points from their first three matches. In stark contrast, Manchester City has surged ahead in the league, drawing comparisons to sprinter Noah Lyles, and is already on course for another Premier League title.

City’s success is, of course, linked to Pep Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, but the presence of a striker like Erling Haaland further eases the task. Haaland’s goal-scoring feats have been extraordinary, with two hat-tricks in the season’s first three weeks, taking his total to seven goals. Since joining City, Haaland has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions, claiming two Golden Boots. He is widely considered the best striker in the world, and his dominance in front of goal remains unparalleled.

Manchester United sought to replicate City’s success by bringing in Rasmus Hojlund, another Scandinavian striker. However, Hojlund’s 16 goals in the 2023/24 season, though respectable, pale in comparison to Haaland’s astounding numbers. Stopping Haaland seems nearly impossible, and only an injury, like the one that briefly sidelined him last season, could potentially slow him down. Unfortunately for United, they are unlikely to be the team that halts Haaland’s reign this season. Even Arsenal, City’s closest challengers, may struggle to keep pace with Guardiola’s side.

United could certainly benefit from having a prime Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo to combat Haaland’s impact. Reflecting on the past, Ten Hag’s growing frustration with Ronaldo’s presence in November 2022 contributed significantly to the star’s departure. Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford was marred by off-field drama, and his exit was seen as necessary to restore harmony within the team.

In hindsight, however, United may now question whether letting Ronaldo leave was the right choice, especially as they continue to search for a player capable of reaching Haaland’s level. The gap between Manchester City and Manchester United appears larger than ever, with City thriving under Guardiola while United struggles to find stability under Ten Hag.