Is the United supporter an integral cog in the INEOS decision-making machine?
It is the day after a memorable Wembley outing for Manchester United, and the customary social cycle continues to produce various connotations surrounding INEOS and the future of Erik ten Hag.
The Reds earned a notable FA Cup triumph against Manchester City, cheered on by the club’s largest individual shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
But, amidst jubilant scenes from hierarchy, managerial team, players and supporters, the unanswered question about the Dutch man’s future surfaced throughout the day.
Following a barrage of midweek exclusives that had suggested his exit was inevitable, a contrasting report from the BBC’s Simon Stone stated the club remained committed to their end-of-season plan and that no decision on the manager was made.
Interestingly, despite the day-to-day debates on social media, Andy Mitten’s interactive poll was released into the wild, returning an emphatic level of support for Ten Hag.
But, while the supporters should hold a superior say on the club’s future, does their word retain a bearing on this critical decision, or is it falling on the deafest of ears?
Uncertainty is the word
Throughout this period, interested parties from match-going season ticket holders, supporters in continents far, and revered journalists who pride themselves on delivering authentic news are searching for a hint of clarification.
In truth – and as bizarre as it may seem – the manager has remained committed to appearing as in the dark about the matter as you and me.
The 54-year-old spoke with the oldest Dutch football magazine in publication – Voetbal International – earlier this week and remained resolute in his position.
He stated, “This is, by far, the most difficult season I have ever had,” but confirmed that Ratcliffe’s INEOS powerhouse had directly informed him they “want to change everything and that they want to rebuild with me.”
While uncertainty remains as I write, is this merely PR work from a man prepping for an alternative scenery, or are we all in the dark regardless of the endless ‘sources’ who share their divine knowledge with English media?
Is it shades of 1989/90 or 2015/16
It’s over 34 years since Pete Molyneux raised his banner in protest of Sir Alex Ferguson in December 1989, spearheading a unanimous response to acknowledge his ‘Ta Ra Fergie’ moment.
As we all know, the great Scot would lift the FA Cup that season, embarking upon his football domination of the Premier League.
Speaking to Shaun Connolly on the official Theatre of Red podcast, Pete highlighted his unwavering support for the manager today.
“I’ll nail my colours to the mast now – obviously, I wanted Fergie to go then – I can never backtrack on that – but I do not want Ten Hag to go now – I’m right behind him,” he said.
“That’s based on faith rather than any logic. But a lot of football following is about faith, and it’s about things you have not seen yet – that you hope to come, you believe will come, but they’ve not manifested themselves yet.
“Certainly, we were there in ‘89 with Fergie. But Ten Hag, the difference is he’s only had two years, not three years – I think every manager deserves a minimum of three years.”
In contrast, having steered his side to a first FA Cup success in 12 seasons against Crystal Palace in 2016, Louis van Gaal was relieved of his duties hours later.
Similarly to 1989, many supporter sections were bewildered by team selections and inadequate performances but were committed to a project that could see the victory as a catalyst for growth.
Although the reaction was different to that season-defining year of Fergie, the decision – at the time – was predominantly opposite to what many match-going folk had desired.
A defining moment
As the manager, coaches, and players embark on their summer vacations, the INEOS ‘pre-project’ will begin to turn, and the face of Manchester United Football Club will gradually change – well, that is the hope.
After close to 20 years of neglect and harm caused under the thumb of a greedy, anti-progressional Glazer ownership – supporters now hold a semblance of hope.
Following the arrival of Avram, Joel and Bryan to Old Trafford in June 2005, a collection of Manchester devotees immediately met them to protest their presence – as we know, this has continued up to the current day.
While there would be a sense of understanding – by most – if Ten Hag was to be relieved of his duties at the Theatre of Dreams, much of the fanbase remains committed to granting him a season under what has promised to be a forward-thinking hierarchy.
Is it ridiculous to think that a decision was not confirmed several months ago – maybe. But, given the discrepancies in reports and the perceived opinion that the manager is planning for next season, many remain optimistic about his stay.
49,880 of 58,613 (85.1%) supporters have nailed their support to the wall of Mr Mitten’s poll, pledging their support for the continuation of a double-domestic cup-winning manager.
For the first time in many years, supporters have a hint of a catalyst for growth, and it has been a very long time coming. But, ownership must tread carefully to preserve an understanding of the working-class roots within this football club.
The magnitude of financial harm caused by the Glazers will shock many people, and I suspect we will see multiple unpopular decisions over the coming months.
I can’t comprehend how these will be received positively – they may even turn Sir Jim into the scapegoat – but they will be necessary and inevitably paint a picture of the irrefutable damage of these idle owners and their leveraged takeover.
Ultimately, the ramifications of further decline at a time when joy is the universal word do not bear comprehension for a supporter base that has suffered enough.
Should Ten Hag stay at the Theatre of Dreams? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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2 responses to “The importance of the supporter in the INEOS rebuild of Manchester United”
ETH should and MUST stay, at all cost. Next season we will see a revival from our injury list, and vital players returning from vital positions. We WILL have a settled Back Four, and we WILL be known again by the media, as the Left Sided FC, with MR scoring tons of goals AGAIN.
I agree, Al. Everyone at the Theatre of Red hopes the manager is given next season. Fingers crossed. Thanks for contributing.