We’re heading to the north west for part two of our thoughts about managers who are under pressure early on this season.
Vincent Kompany – Burnley
After dominating the Championship and notching an impressive 101 points last season, former Man City captain Vincent Kompany faced his old team in the opening game of the season, where the champions showed their class in a dominant 0-3 win. Life hasn’t gotten any easier for Kompany and Burnley since then, who are currently sat in 19th place with just one win coming against fellow strugglers Luton Town. Burnley’s aggressive and attacking style of play has been leaving them exposed defensively. Whether Kompany will compromise his style of play to try and tighten things up at the back remains to be seen. Either way, the Clarets will need to start picking up points from somewhere sooner or later.
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United
Perhaps a surprising name on the list until a week ago. After a somewhat successful first season at Old Trafford picking up a trophy, Ten Hag has struggled to implement any particular style of play on his team. From numerous off the pitch incidents to star players underperforming, and against the backdrop of a potential club sale, the Dutchman has been trying his best to steady the ship. Following another dire derby display at the hands of their noisy neighbours, fans have started questioning whether the club has progressed at all since the former Ajax manager took the helm almost 18 months ago. The fluid, attacking football that was hotly anticipated is yet to be seen, and United sit 8th in the table having only netted 11 times in 10 games. An early exit against fellow top four contenders Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup has ramped up the pressure gauge another notch. However, a kind run of fixtures in November may see Ten Hag survive the onslaught, and much will depend on the clubs’ Champions League progress in the run up to Christmas.
Do you agree with our assessments? Are there any other managers that are underperforming?