Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are considering to make a managerial change amidst a season review of Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United. United’s position on Ten Hag remains unclear as INEOS keep discussing over the possibilities.
Manchester United had a horrible Premier League season. Oppositions kept tearing apart the Red Devils’ defense. Moreover, United conceded a staggering 58 goals this campaign. Additionally, the Manchester Reds secured their worst ever finish in Premier League history ending on 8th position with 60 points.
Also, the Red Devils were incapable of defending their EFL Cup this season as Newcastle beat them in the round of 16. The Red Devils were also demolished in the Champions League as they finished last in the group stage.
Eventually, United failed to secure automatic qualification for European football. However, an Erik Ten Hag masterclass against Manchester City at Wembley would secure both the FA Cup and a Europa League spot.
Should Manchester United retain Ten Hag?
Erik Ten Hag led Go Ahead Eagles to their first promotion in 17 years in his first season as a Manager. The 54-year old was successful in taking Bayern II to the Regionalliga Bayern in his two year stint at Bavaria. Ten Hag led Utrecht to the KNVB Cup Final in 2016 where they came up short against Feyenoord. Moreover, Utrecht were able to qualify for the Europa League in the following season under Ten Hag.
Thereafter, the Dutchman’s tactics reaped great rewards. Ten Hag would coach Ajax in their exceptional 2018-19 season guiding them to a Champions League Semi Final where they would narrowly miss out due to Lucas Moura’s heroics. The 54-year old would go on to collect plenty of silverware with Ajax. The Dutchman won 3 Eredivisie titles, 2 KNVB Cups and the Johan Cruyff Shield at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ten Hag joined Old Trafford in April 2022. Manchester United managed to finish 3rd in the Dutchman’s first season at the Theatre of Dreams with 75 points. Additionally the 54-year old would win United their first major trophy since 2017 by lifting the EFL Cup. Moreover, the Dutchman also led United to the FA Cup final against Manchester City in the same season. However, the Red Devils came short in the closely fought cup final.
Undoubtedly, Erik Ten Hag has been a successful manager and won trophies for his team. However, his managerial record has dwindled heavily with United this season. Even after winning their 13th FA Cup, there is no denying that the Red Devils were poor this campaign.
INEOS and Ten Hag: Differing opinions!
Despite being hit severely by injuries, Ten Hag would refuse to change his high-pressing tactics. Subsequently, United would suffer heavy defeats at the hands of unlikely oppositions. INEOS made it absolutely clear that the Dutchman would have to follow their gameplan and lose his recruiting power.
Undoubtedly, sacking Ten Hag would be considered as cruel. Especially, with the 65 separate cases of injuries and illnesses. Ten Hag could hardly field his best XI. However, the 54-year old also refused to alter his tactics. Maybe the Dutchman was being brave and believing his instinct but it did not work out.
Consequently, United are considering Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter as probable options for replacement.
However, many believe Tuchel may not comply well with United hierarchy while Pochettino hasn’t really blossomed after his stint with Spurs. Moreover, Southgate and Potter are not exactly the candidates that could overwhelm Ten Hag.
As of now, INEOS continue to discuss alternatives and have kept Ten Hag on hold. Renowned Journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update:
“So the situation remains quite open. I think they are assessing all the potential options in order to decide whether it’s better to continue with Ten Hag or go for another manager”.
However, any delay in decision is bound to affect the Red Devils’ transfer business this window.
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