New season, same old Manchester United. This must be the common thought that every soccer fan must have about the Red Devils, who were thrashed 0-3 by arch-rivals Liverpool on Premier League Matchday 3. It was a complete dominance from Arne Slot and Co. while the hosts remained silent. As the word of their defeat spreads around the town, Alexi Lalas decided to take a subtle dig at Erik ten Hag and Man United.

The US Men’s National Team icon took it to X, and wrote, “Trust the process. #MUFC.” One may say it was to reassure the United fans but that’s not the case. These three words are something often used quite sarcastically, especially in the case of ten Hag and Man United. Though it hasn’t been all glory for the Red Devils throughout the years, the arrival of the Dutch tactician hasn’t too changed anything in the last 2 years.

Poor performance or underachievement of the red side of Manchester has often been overshadowed by the ‘trust the process’ claim. It is almost as if it has become an excuse for the team and fans to make themselves feel better. However, even after trying to manifest good things, United often ends up being on the south side. And today’s result is no different scene.

Certainly, trusting the process hasn’t helped United greatly as they continue to struggle in their domestic endeavors. It’s high time for INEOS and the Glazer family to reconsider their vision and how they wish to run the club successfully. Even though it’s too early to judge United’s season, such results aren’t helping their case as well.

Liverpool displayed early signs of dominance during the game as we saw Erne Slot ball in full effect. They scored an opener within 7 minutes, courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold, but it was ruled out as Mohamed Salah was in an offside position. However, the half-hour mark saw Luis Diaz finally break the account for the Reds, only minutes later to add his second just before the end of the first 45 minutes.

In the later half, Mohamed Salah successfully got a second bite at the apple by adding the third goal. Meanwhile, United wasn’t all submissive as they ended the game with 53% possession. While they took just 8 shots compared to Liverpool’s 11, both sides had equal 3 shots on target. Instead, it was some individual mistakes of the players that cost them. Either way, the only person who faces the wrath of many is Erik ten Hag!

Should Manchester United still trust the process of the Erik ten Hag era?

This is indeed quite an early stage to judge Manchester United’s season. One may call it a mere setback. However, they should keep things in mind that such results aren’t helping their case as well. Not to mention their results in the opening two matches; a narrow win over Fulham and a shocking 2-1 loss over Brighton. Within the third week of the Premier League, they lost their second match, that too with such a high margin.

Certainly, trusting the process hasn’t helped Manchester United greatly as they continue to struggle in their domestic endeavors. It’s high time for INEOS and the Glazer family to reconsider their vision and how they wish to run the club successfully. As for Erik ten Hag, problems continue to surface. He should better find a way to navigate through these challenges; otherwise, all the blame will shift on him and may get sacked.