As the Premier League season unfolds, Manchester United finds themselves in a turbulent spot, and whispers from within Old Trafford suggest a surprising culprit for their sluggish start: pre-season burnout.
Reports have surfaced indicating that certain senior players within the squad attribute their lackluster performance to an intense pre-season regimen under manager Erik ten Hag.
These players, albeit remaining unnamed, expressed their discontent, feeling as fatigued at the campaign’s start as they were at its end in the previous season.
Ten Hag, intent on molding United into title contenders, reportedly ramped up the intensity of training, orchestrating a grueling series of friendlies across various continents.
However, this move seemingly backfired as the team struggled, having lost nine out of 18 games this season, including early exits from both the Carabao Cup and faltering in the Champions League group stage.
The manager, however, remains steadfast in his belief that his players comprehend the sacrifice required for consistent success.
Nonetheless, injuries and absences have plagued the team, with up to 16 players sidelined during crucial matches.
Moreover, the commercial demands of the pre-season itinerary, possibly influenced by the team’s ownership and external factors, have also come under scrutiny.
Christian Eriksen’s complaint about extensive travel echoed sentiments shared by others, yet he acknowledged the anticipated challenges of a rigorous pre-season.
On the business front, amidst talks of potential ownership changes, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 25% ownership looms, potentially ushering in a reconfiguration of the club’s executive hierarchy.
Speculations swirl regarding Richard Arnold’s position as chief executive, with Ineos Sport’s CEO, Jean-Claude Blanc, and sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford purportedly poised to assume pivotal roles.
As United grapples with on-field challenges and imminent business shifts, the hope for a turnaround rests on the horizon.
Ten Hag remains optimistic, banking on a reversal of fortunes as more players return from injury during the international break.
As the team navigates this period of turbulence, the spotlight shifts to whether this early-season slump is a temporary setback or a symptom of deeper-rooted issues within the club’s strategy and management.
