Following a long and in-depth end-of-season review, Manchester United have decided to retain Erik Ten Hag as their manager for the next season. The decision comes two and a half weeks after United won the FA Cup to cap off an otherwise disappointing domestic season.
In the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at United, no manager has divided the opinion of fans like Ten Hag has done. Ten Hag won over the majority of his fanbase by finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup in his first season at Old Trafford. However, his recently concluded second season at United was nothing short of a disaster. United crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stages and finished a lowly eight in the Premier League. Ten Hag’s second season was a forgettable one on multiple fronts as it was marred by multiple injuries and a fallout with Jadon Sancho.
More worryingly for United fans, this season there were times when the team looked insipid and lacked an identity under Ten Hag. And this caused several sections of the fanbase to lose faith in Ten Hag throughout the season. At one point, it seemed as though even the United board had lost faith in the Dutchman with rumours rife that he was set to be sacked after the FA Cup final, regardless of the result.
The club’s hierarchy is believed to have reached out to Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate to potentially take over the reins from Ten Hag. However, the former’s refusal to do so and the latter’s lack of interest in the role are two of the main reasons why the United manager has been retained. In a way, Ten Hag’s retention can also be seen as a result of the lack of suitable candidates who wanted to take over from him. In other words, it could be said that Ten Hag has been retained only ’cause nobody wanted to take over from him.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenging circumstances, Ten Hag now faces a crucial season ahead. He must address the issues that plagued United in his second year, particularly the team’s inconsistency and lack of a clear playing style. Strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window will be essential, with an emphasis on acquiring players who fit his tactical vision and can provide depth to mitigate the impact of injuries.
Moreover, Ten Hag must work on rebuilding relationships within the squad, especially with key players like Jadon Sancho. The Dutchman’s ability to foster a positive and unified team environment will be pivotal in regaining the trust and support of both the players and the fans.
Ultimately, Ten Hag’s third season at Old Trafford will be a defining one. The pressure will be immense, as the expectations of the fanbase and the board remain high. Success in domestic competitions and a deep run in European tournaments will be crucial in solidifying his position and proving that he is the right man to lead Manchester United back to the pinnacle of English and European football.
In summary, Erik Ten Hag’s retention as Manchester United manager, amid a backdrop of a lacklustre season and failed managerial pursuits, signifies a critical juncture for the club. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Ten Hag to correct past mistakes, implement his vision effectively, and ultimately win back the faith of the supporters and the board.
