Manchester United's recent performances have left fans disappointed, despite the club investing heavily in new players over the summer. Manager Erik ten Hag is feeling the pressure, with reports suggesting that his time at the club could be coming to an end if results don't improve quickly. The Dutch manager is said to be on thin ice as the Manchester United hierarchy looks for a way to return the club to the top of the Premier League.
Having spent over £600 million on new signings, expectations were high for a successful season. However, under Ten Hag's leadership, the team has failed to reach its full potential. The lack of consistency and inability to challenge for major trophies have raised concerns among supporters.
Rumours are rife about potential replacements for Ten Hag, with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy emerging as a front-runner. The 48-year-old, currently part of the coaching staff at the club, is seen as a strong candidate to take over the managerial reins.
Names such as Thomas Tuchel, Garreth Southgate, Eddie Howe, and Simone Inzaghi have also been linked with the vacant position. The decision regarding who will be appointed is eagerly awaited by fans, who are hopeful that a new manager can bring about a much-needed change in the team's performance and results.
Rooney lauds 'excellent' Plymouth defence in Luton victory
Wayne Rooney credited Plymouth Argyle's defensive showing as crucial in their 3-1 triumph over Luton Town at Home Park on Friday.
Plymouth took the lead in the eighth minute courtesy of Rami Al Hajj, with the Swede notching his first Pilgrims goal with a curled finish beyond Thomas Kaminski.
The hosts found themselves two goals in front 20 minutes from time after substitute Ibrahim Cissoko shifted the ball onto his left foot before firing a stunning effort into the far corner.
Plymouth's joy was short-lived, though, as Victor Moses chested down Alfie Doughty's cross to the back post before striking the ball beyond Daniel Grimshaw less than two minutes later.
The Hatters continued to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser but were undone by a moment of individual brilliance from Cissoko, who danced his way into the area and saw his first effort blocked, but finished the rebound to move Plymouth up to 13th in the Championship.
Rooney has now guided his side to back-to-back home victories for the first time this season, and said his side had to adapt to Luton's relentless attacking to emerge victorious.
"I thought it was a good performance for different reasons," Rooney said.
"I thought first half we were good at times, controlled the tempo of the game and Luton tried to press us, and I think when we showed composure and played through the press we caused them problems.
"Second half we were a little bit sloppy with the ball and gave it away in dangerous areas at times, but I thought defensively our back four, and in particular the two centre-backs, were excellent.
"Luton are very good at set-pieces and I thought we were brilliant defending them and showed great character and desire to go and head the ball, and then the attacking players get all the praise when they score the goals."
For Rob Edwards, a run of back-to-back victories ended on the South Coast, with his side lacking a clinical edge in front of goal.
The Hatters registered 16 shots during the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.07, but only two of his side's efforts were on target.
"Credit to the opposition, at both ends of the pitch they were better - they were more ruthless at one end and defended better at the other," Edwards said.
"I think we got into their final third 40-odd times, twice as often as they did, but we didn't make their goalkeeper work enough.
"We weren't clinical enough at one and end then didn't defend well enough at the other -it's not a good recipe to win a football match.
"It's really frustrating to come away losing a game talking about both ends of the pitch."
