Why Manchester United Made the Right Decision to Keep Erik ten Hag
Manchester United’s decision to retain Erik ten Hag as manager for the upcoming season has stirred a positive reaction among fans and analysts alike. Here are five compelling reasons why keeping the Dutchman in charge is the right move:
1. Proven Success in Silverware
- Achievements: Since taking over, Ten Hag has won two major trophies in two seasons, including the FA Cup , highlighting his ability to bring silverware to a club that had been starved of success.
- Significance: Winning trophies is a key measure of success at Manchester United. Despite a disappointing league campaign, Ten Hag’s knack for securing silverware provides optimism for future successes, demonstrating his competence under pressure.
Conclusion: Ten Hag’s trophy-winning pedigree aligns with Manchester United’s historic expectations and proves his capability to deliver results.
2. Resilience Amid an Injury Crisis
- Challenge: The 2023/24 season saw Manchester United ravaged by injuries, including critical absences like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, which significantly affected the team’s performance .
- Impact: The inability to field a consistent and fully fit squad hampered Ten Hag’s plans and tactical setups. Despite these challenges, the team managed to secure a trophy, underlining Ten Hag’s adaptability and resilience as a manager.
Conclusion: Ten Hag’s ability to navigate through an injury crisis and still deliver silverware suggests he can handle adversity and lead the team more effectively with a healthier squad.
3. Development of Young Talent
- Promising Stars: Under Ten Hag, young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have flourished, becoming integral parts of the squad. Garnacho’s performances, in particular, have been a bright spot amid the team’s struggles .
- Managerial Influence: Ten Hag’s history of developing young players, evident from his Ajax days, has translated well at United. His nurturing of homegrown talent aligns with the club’s tradition of integrating youth players into the first team.
Conclusion: Ten Hag’s success in developing young talent provides a solid foundation for the future, ensuring a pipeline of skilled players ready to contribute to the first team.
4. Stability and Continuity
- Historical Context: Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, United have experienced a revolving door of managers, leading to instability and frequent resets of the club’s direction .
- Strategic Value: Retaining Ten Hag avoids the pitfalls of constant managerial changes and allows for a continuation of his long-term vision and tactical philosophy, which had begun to show positive signs despite the challenges.
Conclusion: Keeping Ten Hag offers Manchester United much-needed stability and the chance to build on his existing framework rather than starting anew with another manager.
5. Lack of Superior Alternatives
- Managerial Market: The available alternatives were either managers with recent failures or those with no experience at the level required by United. The choices did not present a clear upgrade over Ten Hag .
- Comparative Advantage: Ten Hag, with his recent achievements and understanding of the current squad, presents a more reliable option compared to unproven or underperforming candidates from the managerial market.
Conclusion: Given the lack of compelling alternatives, retaining Ten Hag ensures continuity and leverages his existing relationship with the squad and understanding of the club’s dynamics.
Erik ten Hag’s retention as Manchester United manager is a decision grounded in his proven ability to win trophies, his resilience in the face of an injury crisis, his development of young talent, and the need for stability after years of managerial turnover.
Combined with the lack of better alternatives, keeping Ten Hag is the most prudent choice for Manchester United as they look to build a stronger future and return to the pinnacle of English and European football.
Why Manchester United Made the Right Decision to Keep Erik ten Hag
