There are mocking nicknames that have become immortal in football, such as “FC Hollywood” Bayern Munich, or “circus” Man United.
Coach Erik Ten Hag again faces turmoil behind the scenes – Photo: Getty Images
At the end of last season, the media dug up Bayern’s nickname “FC Hollywood” when the Mane hit Sane scandal. And now, when the European leagues take a two-week break to make way for the national team, the ridicule is directed at the “circus” at Old Trafford.
There are always things like no other
The phrase mocking “circus” for Man United was born about 10 years ago, since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Since then, Old Trafford has fallen into a mess. A pretty pun on the nickname “theatre of dreams” associated with this legendary football field, and yet fully captures the volatile nature of Man United.
Not only fans or rival fans give this name to Man United. A serious local newspaper like The Guardian also regularly criticizes Man United as a circus in its commentary. And commentators, especially those from a player background, often use this term. Even Roy Keane, when commenting on the 0-7 loss of the “red devils” to Liverpool last season, also had to lament: “The circus is back”.
In a land of tabloids that are always covered and watched by fans all over the world, Man United still stands out above all with funny stories that we often do not think it exists in professional football. .
We can mention a series of “hot spots” that Man United has brought to the press recently: the case of beating Mason Greenwood’s girlfriend, the case of defaming Ronaldo’s team, the story of Harry Maguire’s captaincy. And there’s also the matter at the top when the Glazer family negotiates the process of transferring ownership of the team.
Man United appeared to be a more professional club when coach Erik Ten Hag arrived and created a revolution in transfers and discipline… The Ronaldo case was promised to end Man United’s period of unprofessionalism. when Erik Ten Hag was given ultimate power. At the same time, he is no longer afraid of being “broken by his students” – something that Jose Mourinho once experienced.
Internal turmoil again
But worries returned at the start of this season. Two days ago, British media confirmed that the Glazer family had withdrawn their decision to sell the club to Qatar. The dream of MU fans seems to be broken.
But in the immediate future, it is still a long-term matter for the upper class. Right now, “Red Devils” fans have reason to worry about a disastrous season when internal trouble returns. Immediately after the loss to Arsenal in round 4 of the Premier League, star Jadon Sancho did not hesitate to go on social networks to criticize coach Erik Ten Hag.
It all started when Sancho was removed from the squad for the match against Arsenal by Erik Ten Hag. When asked by the media after the match, Erik Ten Hag replied: “Because of his performances on the training field, I did not choose him. You need to show your performance every day at Man United.”
Erik Ten Hag’s criticism made Sancho angry. He declared: “Don’t believe everything you read. I will not allow people to say untrue things about me. I always try my best on the training field but always become the target of blame. This is not fair.” “. Not to mention right or wrong, but the head coach and the most expensive star arguing in front of the media has dragged Man United back into a period of chaos.
In the summer of 2021, Sancho came to MU for 85 million euros. But his subsequent performance is only worthy of comparison with reserve players like Garnacho or Elanga. Last season, he was only allowed to play 1,700 minutes (equivalent to 19 matches) by coach Erik Ten Hag in the Premier League. And this season, this number is 76 minutes after 4 matches.
Maybe Erik Ten Hag was not wrong in deciding to punish a player for poor performance. But he also made things difficult for himself by constantly stripping away the team’s stars.
Last season, MU had a striker crisis because Ronaldo left. This season, they sold David De Gea to bring in a goalkeeper considered inferior, Onana. And now, MU may lose Sancho completely after the media accusation. Coach Erik Ten Hag himself is also questioned about his talent when he cannot shape a clear playing style for MU after more than a year in charge.
10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, MU has gone through 8 generations of coaches (including 3 interim coaches). And hanging around, they still look more like a circus than a “theatre of dreams”!