LONDON – As the pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag, Manchester United's disastrous display at the London Stadium against West Ham has left fans and analysts questioning the team's direction. After suffering a 2-1 defeat—thanks in large part to a controversial VAR decision—Ten Hag's strategy came under scrutiny once again.

In what many would consider a dominant first half, United initially took control of the game, showcasing moments of flair and potential. Bruno Fernandes set up Alex Garnacho on two occasions that went begging, while the beleaguered Portuguese midfielder himself squandered a golden opportunity, missing a free header that added to the frustration on the bench.

However, the match turned dramatically towards the end. With just minutes left on the clock, Matthijs de Ligt's challenge on Danny Ings in the box resulted in a penalty, awarded after VAR intervention. Although Ten Hag expressed skepticism about the decision, claiming it contradicted the VAR guidelines of only intervening for 'clear and obvious' errors, the damage was done. Jarrod Bowen netted the penalty, sealing victory for West Ham and leaving United in a precarious position in the league table.

Historically, this matchup has not been kind to Ten Hag. Since taking over, he has never managed to secure a point at this venue, an increasingly concerning statistic for a manager who is supposed to be building a narrative of progress. His team has shown a worrying pattern of inability to convert control into results, a trait that reared its head yet again on this rainy east London evening.

Compounding matters, Manchester United's form isn't solely limited to their struggles against West Ham. The team's winless streak in international competitions has stretched a full calendar year, signaling a broader crisis that goes beyond just domestic performance. With only two wins in their last twelve matches across all competitions, the repeated failure to secure victories raises questions about the tactical direction under Ten Hag.

Despite Ten Hag's insistence that his squad dominated large portions of the match, statistics tell a different story. The club's xG (expected goals) was indicative of their wastefulness in front of goal, failing to capitalize on opportunities. While Ten Hag praised his team's first-half performance, highlighting their constructs and creativity, the tangible lack of finishing has been a persistent issue.

Looking ahead, Manchester United's upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and teams currently at the bottom of the table like Leicester and Ipswich may provide much-needed breathing room. However, should their form not improve drastically against these weaker opponents, Ten Hag's position could face even more significant scrutiny.

As fans watch the team underperform week after week, one must wonder: Is this the new normal for Manchester United? Or can Ten Hag galvanize his squad to reclaim their status as champions? Only time will tell, but what remains clear is the urgency for a turnaround before it's too late.