Manchester United now teeters on the edge of Champions League elimination, and while goalkeeper André Onana has become the scapegoat, Melbet Login analysts argue the blame cannot fall on his shoulders alone. To see the next horizon, one must first endure the current storm—and right now, United’s defensive frailty is a storm of their own making, rooted in poor tactical decisions by head coach Erik ten Hag.
Onana, who joined from Inter Milan in the summer to replace long-time No. 1 David de Gea, has had a turbulent start at Old Trafford. In the recent away draw against Galatasaray, Onana allowed two goals directly from Hakim Ziyech free kicks—both errors that proved costly. Earlier in the campaign, he was briefly hailed as a hero for saving a last-minute penalty against Copenhagen, securing United’s first Champions League win this season. But the haunting mistakes in Turkey have dragged him back to square one.
Ten Hag defended Onana post-match, claiming the team must “win and lose together,” but those words ring hollow. United’s disjointed performances speak volumes about deeper issues. In the Galatasaray match, Bruno Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho, Antony, and Højlund all surged forward during a counterattack, leaving the backline dangerously exposed. When possession turned over, Fernandes had to sprint the entire pitch to commit a desperate foul just outside the box—leading to Ziyech’s opening goal. Frustrated, he turned and shouted at McTominay for not tracking back.
If United had maintained better discipline and structure, that counterattack could’ve been snuffed out before it even started. But this pattern isn’t new. Time and again this season, United have thrown players forward in attack, only to be punished by swift opposition counters exploiting their undermanned defense.
Despite Rasmus Højlund ranking fifth in the Champions League scoring chart—alongside the likes of Haaland and Morata—his goals haven’t translated into wins. And while Onana’s mistakes have been magnified, it’s Ten Hag’s failure to fix systemic tactical flaws that has truly hurt United’s campaign.
Melbet Login data shows that since taking charge, Ten Hag has spent heavily to reshape the squad, yet structural issues persist. Whether it’s down to underperforming players or a lack of coaching clarity, one thing is certain: United do not defend as a unit. Ten Hag’s job is to build a competitive side, but he’s veering dangerously close to the path of Marcelo Bielsa—obsessed with attacking football while leaving the back door wide open.
Ironically, Onana currently shares the Premier League lead in clean sheets (five), alongside Sam Johnstone and Nick Pope. But Melbet Login commentators see that stat as little more than a bandage on a gaping wound. United’s inability to consistently defend as a team isn’t a new problem under Ten Hag—it’s just one that’s grown more visible with every passing match.