The change in the format and schedule of the Champions League and League Cup has caused Man United to start on a day when dozens of big teams in Europe are also in trouble. In addition to the great victories of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool..., Man United is also mentioned.
However, the "Red Devils" 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the 3rd round of the League Cup was greatly reduced in stature when placed next to the big opponents above. It was also 7 goals away, but Bayern's 9-2 storm match against Dinamo Zagreb was considered much more magnificent.
Barnsley used to be a famous team but now, they are only at a low level in the foggy country. The Championship representative is 41 places behind Man United in the rankings of clubs in England. When witnessing arch-rival Liverpool come back against AC Milan right at San Siro, many Man United fans felt sad. Previously, their position had to belong to such star-studded nights in the Champions League.
In terms of stature last night, Man United were inferior to Liverpool in the scoreboard when fans looked it up on Google. As for financial issues, they have not been able to earn as much as their big rivals in the same city for a long time. With the 2023 Champions League title, Man City earned 134.9 million Euros from this playground. Meanwhile, the Europa League champions of the same year, Sevilla, earned only 21.8 million Euros.
Last week, Man United announced a net loss of £113.2 million. In the context of increasingly tightening financial fairness rules, returning to the Champions League playground early is very important to generate revenue. In a UEFA Champions League music night that resounded in many major stadiums in Europe, Old Trafford only welcomed Barnsley, which was a very embarrassing thing.
The League Cup is the first title Erik ten Hag has won with Man United and now, the "Red Devils" continue to flourish in this secondary playground. So what is the Dutch strategist's ambition when this is the third season he has led the team to Manchester?
"The team is aiming for the next awards. Therefore, the League Cup is an opportunity and Man United will take it very seriously. I had a headache at this time last year when I didn't have enough personnel to rotate. Now, everything is a little better" - Ten Hag shared.
Next week, the remaining English teams will play in the League Cup and Man United will join the Europa League. In the context of increasingly difficult play in the Premier League, if they cannot dream of a domestic championship title, Ten Hag and his students should aim to play in the European second division.
If he wins the Europa League, Ten Hag will prove that he and his team are improving. Moreover, it is a royal ticket to bring The Red Devils back to the UEFA Champions League - where they were champions.
