Erik Ten Hag has urged Manchester United to clarify their position as soon as possible on the managerial job. Ten Hag is keen for coaching in the upcoming season. The Dutchman wants to know whether he will offer his services at the Old Trafford. Moreover, if that is not the case, Ten Hag will be looking for job elsewhere.
The Dutchman’s two seasons at the helm have been controversial. United were able to secure a Champions League spot in Ten Hag’s first season. Additionally, the Red Devils won the EFL Cup, winning their first major trophy in 6 years. However, the friction between the Dutchman and Cristiano Ronaldo led to the Manchester United legend terminating his contract.
Erik Ten Hag’s second season: Manchester United 2023-24
United never looked entirely comfortable in Ten Hag’s second season. The Red Devils faced an instant elimination from the Champions league after finishing the group stage in 4th place. Additionally, United were merely able to secure 4 points in 6 matches losing 4 games and winning and drawing 1 each.
Premier League did no favors on The Red Devils either. Manchester United finished 8th with 60 points. This was the club’s worst ever premier league finish. Moreover, the Manchester Reds conceded 58 goals and ended the campaign with a -1 goal difference in the league! The Red Devils were beaten by Newcastle in the fourth round of the English Football League (EFL) Cup.
Additionally, Ten Hag’s difference of opinion with Jadon Sancho formulated into a loan deal for the Englishman. Borussia Dortmund made the most of the opportunity. Sancho has reignited his career at the Signal Iduna Park. The winger has been crucial in Dortmund’s road to the Champions League Final this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United did manage to end the season positively with an FA Cup win over local rivals Manchester City. Ten Hag produced a masterclass which saw United edge 2-1 in the cup final. Garnacho and Mainoo gave United a 2-0 lead at halftime. Doku scored to make it 2-1 but it was too little too late until then.
However, there was luck involved too in United’s journey to the cup final. The Red Devils were fortunate to avoid a massive scare against Coventry City in the semi-finals. United beat Coventry on penalties setting up a Manchester Derby final for second year in a row.
Will Ten Hag remain at Manchester United?
Sacking Ten Hag seems harsh. Especially, considering he hardly had a chance to field United’s best XI. 65 separate cases of injury/illness were reported! Ten Hag was struggling for options yet somehow found a way to win United another trophy in second consecutive year. United were missing on European football but with their FA Cup win, The Red Devils will play Europa League ahead of Chelsea.
However, whether a positive end will overshadow the horrors of the entire season will be a massive question. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are considering Ten Hag’s overall impact over the two years to make a decision. Although, no confirmation has been conveyed to Ten Hag just yet.
Ten Hag has urged Manchester United to make a quick decision as he plans for his future and the transfer window beckons. Following The Red Devils’ massive win over City in the Cup final, Ten Hag stated:
“If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else and win trophies because that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
Ten Hag’s possible destinations
There is a fair chance that Manchester United could retain Ten Hag. However, plenty of managerial opportunities are present in the market for the Dutchman otherwise.
Bayern Munich were earlier considering Ten Hag to replace Thomas Tuchel but have moved on with Burnley’s Vincent Kompany as their new man in-charge.
A return to Eredivisie with Ajax seemed likely for Ten Hag. On the contrary, Ajax have recently hired Francesco Farioli as their new manager.
While unlikely, Borussia Dortmund remains a possible destination for the Dutchman. Ten Hag’s future will be clarified soon in the upcoming days.
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