Can Erik Ten Hag Succeed with Man Utd?

Cover Image - (AFP via Getty Images) - https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/man-united-marcus-rashford-erik-ten-hag-b2257873.html 

6 years trophyless and 10 years without a Premier League title - this is the current state of Man Utd, arguably the world's biggest and richest club. Many managers have come and gone, successful and serial winners such as Louis Van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho under whom the last trophies were won. Ole Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Moyes were the other unsuccessful managers at the club's helm from Old Trafford. Some may argue that Solskjaer finishing 2nd was an achievement with the crop of players at his disposal, however failing to win the Europa League in the same year ruined the 'parade.' As a Man Utd fan, I was never a big fan of Solskjaer as the structure and clear playing style were not clear to see and it seemed players had a lot more authority than they should have which was exposed during his sacking as well as with the subsequent interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Going into the Erik Ten Hag era, turmoil surrounded Ronaldo's future as the club had failed to qualify for the Champions League. Amongst the fans, there was a sense of dread coming into the season due to what they had witnessed from the players in the previous season. Expectations were very low towards success during this current season. Despite having a positive pre-season with the players, Ten Hag had a very difficult start to the season losing his first two games in the Premier League (Brighton 2-1 winners and Brentford 4-0 winners). Pressure had already mounted on the dutch manager and a visit from Liverpool followed the two losses which fans sought as a 'season-defining moment.' 

The loss to Brentford seemed to have sparked fire from the manager and the players - it was reported that the players were forced to do 14km runs as the Brentford team outran the Man Utd team by that match. However, the players weren't the only ones to run Erik Ten Hag himself ran with the players to show accountability as well as bring a sense of unity to the squad which was missing from the last season. I'm sure this leadership style was the turning point for the players to trust and adopt the philosophies Ten Hag would bring and it was clearly shown as they outperformed, outran and outplayed Liverpool in that crunch game at Old Trafford. 

That win was crucial for Ten Hag to gain the support of the fans and the players; they have been performing very well ever since. Beating Tottenham, and Man City at home, and being the only team to beat league leaders Arsenal this season. Ten Hag has shown incredible mentality and management with the Ronaldo situation being resolved in what seemed like a brutal way but the right way to show that a player's status does not overshadow that of the club or manager.

Currently, Man Utd comfortably sat in 4th place, 3 points from Man City who are in second. Many united fans would not have believed they would be in this position come January and it just shows how Ten Hag has managed to bring the best out of the very thin squad depth at Man Utd. In my opinion, we are over-achieving this season in terms of league position as we still have a bulk of the players from last season's poor showcase. I would have expected us to be around the 5th/6th position but Ten Hag has brought belief and hopes back amongst the supporters. 

Captain Bruno Fernades and Left-back Luke Shaw have also spoken out and what's been different this season is the most notable things mentioned by both were that 'they are more a team that players for each other and 'discipline and structure' has been instilled back into the culture of Man Utd as in the past 'certain players could get away with things.' This to me sounds pleasing to hear as Ten Hag clearly understands the rich history and culture of Man Utd and has the acumen to bring the glory days back at the club with the way things are right now. However, it also worries me how in previous years how easily the club's image was disrespected by the players (ex and some current) and shows how poorly Man Utd have been run as a football club.  

The Glazers are looking to sell Man Utd according to reports and if the new owners that purchase Man Utd focus on the football side and back the manager with correct recruitments, I am certain Erik Ten Hag and Man Utd will have a lot of successful years together and be the dominant force of English football once more.