Report: Is ten Hag Part of Man Utd’s Ongoing Crisis? | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag at Manchester United: A Symptom or the Solution?

Manchester United’s journey under Erik ten Hag has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, embodying the turmoil and challenges of a club caught between past glory and current struggles. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent 25% investment in the club, there’s a renewed focus on whether ten Hag is merely part of the problem or if he holds the key to revitalising this storied institution.

Navigating Troubled Waters

“It’s not switching a light switch. It’s not just about a new coach. It’s not a simple fix or a short-term fix. We have to walk to the right solution, not run to the wrong one,” remarked Sir Jim Ratcliffe, encapsulating the deep-seated issues at Manchester United that transcend the mere appointment of a new manager. This sentiment sets the stage for a broader discussion on the club’s direction under ten Hag’s stewardship.

Photo: IMAGO

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United has been in a state of flux, with the Glazer family’s ownership often criticised. The club’s decline isn’t pegged to a single individual’s failures but rather to systemic issues that have festered over time. Ratcliffe’s cautious approach towards immediate transformation reflects an understanding of these deep-rooted challenges.

Photo by IMAGO

Year Two: A Regression to Contemplate

After a promising debut season where ten Hag led United to third in the Premier League and to the finals and semi-finals of the FA Cup and Europa League respectively, expectations were high. However, the subsequent season has been marred by dismal performances and strategic missteps, casting doubt on ten Hag’s capacity to forge a path forward.

The team’s lacklustre performance is symbolised by a shocking 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, a result that seemed a long time coming given previous subpar displays against teams like Brentford and Liverpool. With United lying eighth in the league, the pressure mounts, not just on the scoreboard but on the very philosophy ten Hag espouses.

Structural Shortcomings at the Heart of United’s Woes

The core issues at Manchester United seem to extend beyond the tactical acumen or managerial prowess of ten Hag. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s strategy to overhaul the club’s leadership—bringing in proven executives from rival clubs—signals an attempt to remedy the structural deficiencies that have plagued the club.

From the appointment delays of key figures like Dan Ashworth to the ongoing challenges in the transfer market, every step reflects the complexity of United’s predicament. These structural failings not only hamper short-term performance but also undermine the long-term vision that ten Hag is trying to implement.

Is ten Hag the Right Man for the Long Haul?

Despite the current gloom, it’s crucial to assess Erik ten Hag’s role within a broader context. The Dutchman arrived at United with a clear mandate to rejuvenate a faltering side, drawing on his successful tenure at Ajax. However, as the second season unfolds, the question lingers: is ten Hag capable of turning the tide, or is he overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task at Old Trafford?

Photo: IMAGO

United’s erratic form, the visible gaps in midfield, and a defensive line that often appears at sixes and sevens have only added fuel to the debate. The team’s failure to secure key transfer targets and the subsequent tactical pivots suggest a disconnect between ten Hag’s vision and the club’s executional capabilities.

Looking Ahead: Foundations for Future Success or Further Decline?

As Manchester United approaches the end of another turbulent season, the focus inevitably shifts to what lies ahead. The potential managerial upheavals, the integration of new executive leadership, and the ongoing restructuring all point to a period of significant transition.

For ten Hag, the upcoming months may well define his legacy at Manchester United. Will he adapt and overcome the myriad challenges, or will he become another footnote in the club’s recent history of managerial departures? Only time will tell if he can align his strategic vision with the club’s operational realities to restore Manchester United to its former heights.

In conclusion, while Erik ten Hag faces an uphill battle, the issues at Manchester United are complex and multifaceted. Ratcliffe’s cautious yet hopeful approach suggests a path forward, but it will require patience, strategic acumen, and perhaps most importantly, a united front from all quarters of the club. As the team looks towards the future, the blend of new leadership and ten Hag’s tactical insight might yet steer Manchester United back to the pinnacle of football excellence—or it could signal yet another chapter of unfulfilled potential.