Manchester United's Gamble on Erik ten Hag: A Risky Bet or a Glimmer of Hope

 

Manchester United's decision to retain Erik ten Hag as their manager for the 2024-25 season, despite a dismal 8th place finish in the Premier League, has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The Dutchman's tenure has been a rollercoaster ride, with moments of promise overshadowed by a string of disappointing results and records.

Ten Hag's case for retention was bolstered by the FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City. However, the club's internal review also highlighted significant concerns, including a record-breaking Champions League group stage exit and their lowest-ever league finish. The decision to keep Ten Hag was not an easy one, with INEOS, who control the club's football operations, seeking to improve the energy and positivity at Carrington.

The Pros of Retaining Erik ten Hag

One of the main positives of Ten Hag's tenure has been his ability to develop young players. The successful integration of academy products Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho has provided a glimmer of hope for the future. Additionally, his positive outlook and energy have maintained a sense of optimism within the team, even during the darkest moments of the season.

Ten Hag's win percentage of 57.9% since joining United two seasons ago is the second-highest post-Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, only trailing Jose Mourinho. This statistic suggests that he has the potential to turn things around at Old Trafford, given the right resources and support.

The Cons of Retaining Erik ten Hag

However, Ten Hag's tenure has not been without its drawbacks. The Dutchman spent £400 million on 10 players, yet the team has regressed significantly compared to the previous season. Many of his signings have either not played or have been flops, contributing to the team's decline.

United's defensive woes have been a major concern, with the team conceding a league-high 58 goals and more expected goals than any other Premier League side. The high number of injuries and the team's inability to maintain a consistent starting XI have also been a cause for concern.

Ten Hag's tactics and training methods have come under scrutiny, with some fans questioning whether they contribute to the team's injury problems. The manager has also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the club, admitting that the problems are "massive.”

Comparing Ten Hag to His Predecessors

Ten Hag's performance has been mixed compared to his predecessors post-Sir Alex Ferguson. While he has managed to win two trophies in two seasons, including the FA Cup in 2023-24, his league performances have been underwhelming.

The club's eighth-place finish is a significant drop from their usual top-four finishes. Ten Hag's record of 60 points and a negative goal difference of minus-one is the worst since the 1989-90 season.

In contrast, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all managed to secure top-four finishes during their tenures. However, none of them were able to replicate the success of Sir Alex Ferguson, who led United to 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League victories.

The Way Forward

As Manchester United look to the future, the decision to retain Erik ten Hag is a gamble. The club has invested heavily in the Dutchman's project, and they will be hoping that he can turn things around in the coming season.

However, the challenges facing Ten Hag are significant. The squad needs a major overhaul, with several players deemed surplus to requirements. The club's hierarchy will need to provide the manager with the necessary resources and support to rebuild the team and restore the club's reputation.

The upcoming negotiations to extend Ten Hag's contract will be a crucial test of the club's commitment to turning things around at Old Trafford. The fans will be hoping that this decision marks a turning point in the club's fortunes, but only time will tell whether Erik ten Hag is the man to lead Manchester United back to the top.