You have to make the hard decision. We know that he just joined but you have to drop him if you don’t want to lose your job. He definitely was what the club was expecting” – This is according to Gabriel Agbonlahor as he advises Erik ten Hag to make some tough decisions, including dropping a struggling Manchester United player.

Manchester United once again found themselves in a vulnerable position as they let a two-goal advantage slip against Porto in the Europa League, mirroring a troubling trend of underachievement this season. Although they began strongly, the Red Devils could not sustain their control, allowing Porto to exploit their defensive weaknesses and come back to lead 3-2. A late equalizer from Harry Maguire rescued a point for United, but this outcome did little to alleviate the intensifying pressure on Erik ten Hag, whose job security is increasingly in question.

The worries about Ten Hag’s future are justified. United’s poor performances in the Premier League have carried over into their Europa League campaign, where they have yet to record a win. Each match reveals more deficiencies, particularly in defense and midfield, prompting fans and analysts to critique the manager’s strategies and player selections. Among those struggling is Matthijs de Ligt, a notable summer acquisition from Bayern Munich, who has found it challenging to acclimate to the pace and demands of English football. His inability to integrate with the team has significantly contributed to United’s defensive problems.

Analyst Owen Hargreaves has openly shared his views on the situation, suggesting that Ten Hag needs to make difficult choices before their upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa. On TNT Sports, Hargreaves indicated that Maguire, who was crucial in earning the draw against Porto, should take De Ligt’s place in the starting lineup. “Harry will play at the weekend against Villa. I think he’ll have to,” Hargreaves stated, referring to De Ligt’s difficulties against Porto’s Samu Omorodion, who scored twice.

Hargreaves’ remarks underscore the growing concern regarding De Ligt’s performance since his transfer to Old Trafford. The Dutch defender, intended to strengthen United’s backline, has yet to hit his stride and often seems out of sync with his teammates. His challenges in reading the game and adapting to the fast pace of English football are particularly noticeable during high-stakes moments when United has conceded crucial goals. Despite his previous experience with Ten Hag at Ajax, De Ligt has not met expectations, leading fans to question the wisdom of the substantial investment in his signing.

As United get ready to face Aston Villa, the stakes have never been higher. Villa, fresh off a recent Champions League win against Bayern Munich, will pose a formidable challenge. With Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran spearheading Villa’s attack, Ten Hag must decide whether to keep faith in De Ligt, hoping he will eventually adjust, or to follow Hargreaves’ suggestion and field Maguire, whose experience and leadership could be vital in such an important match. This upcoming game could serve as a pivotal moment for United’s season. A win against Villa might restore some much-needed confidence, while another lackluster performance could destabilize the team further and jeopardize Ten Hag’s future.

The challenges facing United extend beyond the defense. Their midfield has also struggled to assert itself, and their overall style of play has faced criticism from both fans and analysts. With each passing match, the pressure on Ten Hag to find effective solutions grows, yet answers have remained elusive.

In the broader context, the clash against Aston Villa could be a defining moment for Manchester United’s season. It presents an opportunity to regain momentum in the Premier League and serves as a crucial test of Ten Hag’s ability to manage an escalating crisis. Should United falter, the fallout could go beyond this single game, possibly signaling the beginning of the end for Ten Hag at Old Trafford. For now, attention is focused on the upcoming weekend, where United’s performance may influence not just the match outcome but the future trajectory of the club under Ten Hag’s leadership.

Ten Hag’s challenges are multifaceted. In addition to immediate tactical choices, he must tackle deeper issues within the squad. De Ligt’s struggles reflect broader concerns—key signings failing to meet expectations, defensive frailties, and a midfield often overwhelmed during critical moments. These issues are interconnected and indicate a team lacking cohesion and a clear identity. Ten Hag’s responsibility extends beyond securing victories; he must also restore a sense of direction to a club that appears to be adrift.

As Manchester United prepares to face Aston Villa, the prevailing narrative is one of uncertainty and tension. Whether Ten Hag can turn the situation around remains to be seen, but it is clear that the margin for error is diminishing, and the consequences of failure grow increasingly significant with each match.