Man United have officially unveiled Erik Ten Hag as their new manager.
The ex-Ajax coach is the Red Devil’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ten Hag will have his work cut out for him. He joins at a time when United are going through one of their most tumultuous periods in recent seasons.
Photo via MUFC
They finished the past campaign with just 58 points – their lowest points tally from a league season since the early 1990’s.
Compare this to Ten Hag’s recent campaign with Ajax – with whom he won his third Eredivisie title.
The 52-year-old however, does not think that United’s troubles pose a risk to his reputation. Rather, he’s looking forward to making a new future with the Red Devils.
What can the current players expect?
Erik Ten Hag is a known fan of fast, attacking football. Not surprising, considering he ranks Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff as his inspirations.
However, he’s also been accused of being a bit obsessive with minor details. But like Pep has shown at Man City (and Barcelona & Bayern), obsessing over the details is what wins you trophies.
As with any new manager, Ten Hag’s arrival will raise questions about the future of United’s current crop of players.
The boss says he’s still assessing the squad and will make a decision soon about who will stay and who will be sent packing.
Ten Hag, however, did offer a clue about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. He says he’ll still need to speak to the player personally, but as it stands now, he fully expects Ronaldo to contribute more goals next season.
The manager also touched on under-fire United defender Harry Maguire. Despite the captain having what can only be described as a nightmare season, Ten Hag says he appreciates Maguire’s contribution, adding that it will be a fresh start next season.
There’s also the question about Donny Van De Beek’s Old Trafford future. The midfielder has struggled to impress since joining from Ajax in 2020. However, he could get a second chance under Ten Hag, who managed him during the Dutch club’s run to the 2019 Champions League semifinals.
Photo via MUFC
Can United be title-contenders again?
Ten Hag was very blunt when he described Man City and Liverpool as the Premier League’s best teams at the moment.
But he also feels that every successful era comes to an end…and he’s confident that he’s the man to end City and Liverpool’s dominance.
Brave words, indeed.
However, it now remains to be seen if Ten Hag will get the backing and support of the board, to make the changes that United so desperately need.
By: Nicholas Darren John
