Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has come to an end, marking another chapter in the club’s ongoing struggle to regain stability and success. His reign, which began with optimism, ended similarly to how it started: with defeat. His journey with the club began in May 2022, observing United’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the final game under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. Just a day later, in his first press conference, Ten Hag spoke confidently about the challenge ahead and dismissed the idea that managing the troubled club was a risky decision.
Initial Optimism and the FA Cup Triumph
At the outset, Ten Hag expressed belief in his ability to challenge the dominance of Manchester City and Liverpool under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. He promised a “huge” plan that would reshape the club, but as events unfolded, this plan remained elusive. His most prominent success came with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May, a strategic masterclass that many believed would lay the foundation for future achievements.
The plan displayed in that final was clear: absorb pressure, stretch City’s defense with long balls, and utilize pace to attack spaces. Yet, aside from that brilliant day, such coherence in strategy was rarely evident. Although Ten Hag continued to reference his “game model” and “project,” they never materialized into consistent performances on the pitch.
Strategic Failures and Mounting Criticism
As time passed, Ten Hag’s tactics were increasingly questioned. High-profile pundits, such as Jamie Carragher, criticized United for being poorly coached, with particular disdain for their defensive disorganization. Throughout Ten Hag’s reign, several defeats exposed glaring tactical and structural issues. The team suffered heavy losses, including a 4-0 defeat by Brentford, a humiliating 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool, and a 6-3 loss to Manchester City. Defensive frailties were persistent, and United often conceded three or more goals per game a problem Ten Hag struggled to fix despite significant investment in new players.
Questions about Ten Hag’s tactical identity persisted. United alternated between pressing and sitting deep, but neither approach was executed convincingly. The manager’s insistence on playing out from the back also became a problem, as the players lacked the technical ability to support the strategy effectively. Replacing David de Gea with Andre Onana was a symbolic move to adapt to a new playing style, but Onana’s struggles highlighted the disconnect between tactical vision and squad capability.
Inconsistent Performances and Recruitment Issues
During his tenure, the club spent around £600 million on new players, but few of them made the desired impact. Notably, Ten Hag was instrumental in bringing in Antony for £82 million, despite internal hesitations about the Brazilian’s suitability. Antony’s form failed to justify the hefty fee, as he found himself largely sidelined, with limited contributions to the team.
Defensively, the signing of Matthijs de Ligt highlighted another issue: recruitment decisions that did not align with the players’ strengths. De Ligt’s struggles with positional awareness were brutally exposed in key moments, further questioning the club’s recruitment policy. Meanwhile, other signings either failed to stay fit or didn’t integrate seamlessly into the team.
United’s injury problems compounded Ten Hag’s challenges, with key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined for extended periods. Despite efforts to overhaul the medical department, the squad’s fitness issues persisted, leaving the manager with limited options.
Managing Internal Conflict and Player Relations
Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford was marred by high-profile conflicts with players. Early in his reign, he clashed with Cristiano Ronaldo after the star left a pre-season game early, setting the stage for a bitter fallout. Ronaldo’s subsequent interview, where he accused Ten Hag of disrespect, led to his departure from the club. Although the manager’s stance was seen as a demonstration of authority, it also highlighted the challenges of managing star players.
Another controversy arose with Jadon Sancho, whom Ten Hag publicly criticized for poor training performances. Sancho responded on social media, accusing the manager of making him a scapegoat. Their relationship never recovered, and Sancho eventually went on loan to Chelsea. Similarly, Marcus Rashford’s form fluctuated amid managerial decisions that baffled insiders, including his sudden benching despite a good run of form.
These incidents reflected a recurring theme of poor communication and fractured relationships. While Ten Hag’s discipline was clear, it often came at the cost of player morale and performance. Multiple sources within the club noted that while there was no significant falling-out between the manager and the players, a lack of connection and clear direction created a sense of drift within the squad.
Structural and Ownership Challenges
United’s ongoing struggles cannot be pinned solely on Ten Hag. The club’s ownership and structural issues have created an environment of instability, with frequent changes in management and strategy. Despite the appointment of new executives and a reshuffling of the club’s hierarchy, inconsistency persisted. The arrival of Ineos, along with the appointments of Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox, was intended to provide strategic direction. However, the decision to back Ten Hag initially and then part ways just months later reflected ongoing confusion at the top.
Pre-season optimism, including positive statements from players like Harry Maguire, quickly dissipated as the season unraveled. United’s poor form saw them plummet to 14th in the Premier League table, with their lowest points tally after nine games since the 2019-20 season. The narrative of progress was undermined by on-field performances, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether the club was indeed moving in the right direction.
The End of the Road
Despite moments of hope, such as their FA Cup triumph, the problems at United only deepened. Ten Hag’s blunt communication style, intended to project confidence, often came across as evasive. Public statements about being aligned with the club’s hierarchy failed to resonate as results deteriorated. The lack of a consistent tactical identity or coherent playing style made it difficult for the manager to justify his decisions.
By October 2024, the atmosphere around the club had grown increasingly pessimistic. The loss to Tottenham, followed by further defeats, accelerated the inevitable. Although many within the club respected Ten Hag and valued his coaching abilities, it became apparent that he was not the right fit to lead United forward. The decision to part ways, while painful for some, was seen as a necessary step in trying to salvage the season.
As United look ahead to their next managerial appointment, they must confront the structural and cultural issues that have plagued them since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Ten Hag’s tenure, like those before him, serves as a stark reminder that success cannot be achieved through short-term fixes or individual brilliance alone. The club needs a clear vision, both on and off the pitch, to restore its former glory. Whether the next manager can finally deliver that remains to be seen.
