Ever since Erik ten Hag took charge of Manchester United 18 months ago, he has faced numerous challenges and obstacles. From public disagreements with players like Jadon Sancho to a decline in team performance, Ten Hag’s tenure has been far from successful. Now, with the arrival of new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Dutchman faces yet another hurdle in his quest to remain the manager of Old Trafford. In this article, we will critically analyze Ten Hag’s performance, the shift in fan support, and the impact of Ratcliffe’s arrival.
Not so long ago, supporters of Manchester United were rallying behind Erik ten Hag, demanding that any prospective owner commit to keeping him as manager. Back then, the team was winning games and challenging for trophies. However, the 2023-24 campaign has been a stark contrast, with 14 defeats in 28 games. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (M.U.S.T.) no longer mentions Ten Hag in their statements, indicating a significant drop in fan support. The once-promising progress under Ten Hag has given way to disappointment and frustration.
As Ratcliffe assumes control of football operations at Manchester United, doubts about Ten Hag’s capabilities have emerged. Both Ratcliffe and his confidants, Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, are rumored to have lost faith in the Dutch manager during the negotiations with the Glazer family. After a brief period of optimism, Ten Hag’s performance has taken a steep decline. With just five victories in the last 15 games and a string of recent defeats, it is difficult for Ten Hag to make a convincing case for his continuation as manager.
The timing of Ratcliffe’s arrival couldn’t be worse for Erik ten Hag. As he prepares to meet with Ratcliffe and his team, the Dutchman finds himself in a position of weakness. Manchester United currently sits eighth in the Premier League table, making it challenging for Ten Hag to assert his demands and expectations, especially concerning player transfers. Ten Hag is hesitant to relinquish any power in the new structure and is determined to retain his influence over the identification of transfer targets. However, his track record with signings such as Antony has come under scrutiny, especially considering the significant transfer fee involved.
To understand the potential consequences for Ten Hag, we can look at previous instances where an inherited manager clashed with a new owner. Thomas Tuchel’s tenure at Chelsea serves as a cautionary tale. Despite winning the Champions League in 2021, Tuchel was sacked within 100 days of new owner Todd Boehly’s arrival. Disagreements over managerial autonomy, player signings, and the organization of pre-season tours ultimately led to Tuchel’s departure. This history underscores the precarious position Ten Hag finds himself in.
While Ineos, Ratcliffe’s company, prefers to keep Ten Hag until the end of the season, poor results may force their hand sooner. The likes of Graham Potter have been informally approached, casting doubt on Ten Hag’s long-term prospects. Blanc has been fielding calls from agents advocating for their clients, suggesting that alternatives to Ten Hag are already being considered. Ratcliffe’s impending stake approval in February will undoubtedly shape the future of Manchester United, raising questions about Ten Hag’s place in that future.
Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United has been marked by challenges, declining fan support, and now the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Dutch manager must navigate a treacherous path to convince Ratcliffe and his team that he is still the right man for the job. However, with a decline in team performance and a weakening position, Ten Hag faces an uphill battle. The future of Manchester United hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if Ten Hag can overcome this critical test.
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