Another Manchester United embarrassment could actually benefit Erik ten Hag

Manchester United managed to somehow keep the fires of Champions League qualification alive despite blowing winds and torrential rains but now the final embers have finally been snuffed out. They fell into the smouldering coals themselves, putting out the last remaining embers of their hopes in typically self-destructive fashion.

It's been a hot mess of a season but even when they inexplicably still had a chance to salvage it, United threw away a golden chance. They should have beaten Arsenal on Saturday, or at the very least come away with a point, and their chances still just about alive. It would have at least meant the final four matches of the season would hold some significance, instead, they will just be a gloomy death march before Erik ten Hag finally arrives to try and dispel the stormy clouds.

It wouldn't have exactly been demanding to expect a bit of a reaction in North London. United were once again completely humbled by their greatest rivals Liverpool in midweek, put in their place to once again contemplate just how far behind they have fallen. Only a teenager with the desire to prove a point came away with any plaudits and even if he didn't play well, he just showed some defiance and care that was lacking in everyone else.

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A hail of criticism came from all angles in the minutes, hours and days after the match, much of it bang on the money. When United travelled to face another old foe in the Gunners the players should have been raring to prove people wrong. It took less than two minutes for some abject defending to cost them the opener. Then again twenty minutes later.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Diogo Dalot -