As news broke late on Tuesday evening that Manchester United would be standing by Erik ten Hag, many of the fanbase breathed a sigh of relief.
After a poor season, many expected Sir Jim Ratcliffe would opt to part ways with the 54-year-old, but despite this, I always suspected the manager had plenty of backing – both from the players and the fanbase.
Succession Plan
It’s no secret that Ratcliffe and his INEOS team contacted other managers as part of their end-of-season review.
High-profile names such as Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Frank all held talks with the club in recent weeks.
Kieran McKenna had emerged as an early front-runner for the top job – until he put speculation to bed by committing his future to Ipswich Town.
Questions also surfaced regarding outgoing Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as a potential successor to Ten Hag.
To the frustration of many supporters, the name that refused to go away was that of Gareth Southgate.
The England chief was always a bemusing link that never seemed to have much substance to it, and I often questioned the validity of the various reports behind it.
But, like many, I am relieved this can finally be quashed once and for all.
While the endless reports were no doubt frustrating for the Dutchman, it is something that I could understand and see the logic behind.
As with any successful operation, you require a succession plan regardless of how things go on and off the pitch.
However, in the end, I believe the club felt there was no stand-out candidate – one better than the manager they currently have in place.
The right choice
Sticking with Ten Hag Is the right choice for the club moving forward – of this I am sure.
There were signs during the season that he could still get a tune out of the side, especially in big moments, and that has to count for something.
This is particularly prominent considering the absolute havoc wreaked by injuries to key players across the campaign.
Credit in the bank
We saw enough during his first season to suggest Ten Hag is a good manager at this level.
The tactician made some big calls and wasn’t afraid to show flexibility as he made the most of his squad.
Remember, his side finished third in the league and got to two cup finals – winning the Carabao Cup against Newcastle at Wembley.
Season two undoubtedly didn’t go to plan. From the opening game against Wolves at Old Trafford, it was clear United looked extremely open, and this never changed throughout the rest of the campaign.
Perhaps this was a bit of stubbornness on the manager’s behalf – maybe he was determined to see his philosophy finally come to fruition after adopting a more pragmatic approach in his first year at the helm.
Whatever the answer, it was an approach that some would say backfired.
However, despite this, you have to factor in the injury situation and wonder – had our key players such as Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Raphaël Varane, Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund all been fit for the majority of the season – would it have been a different story.
Tactical tweaks
This is something the manager will have to tweak next season, and he will have to find the right system for his team to flourish.
He showed this flexibility in the final stages and a willingness to adapt his tactics and set up his side accordingly.
Recruitment will play a large part this summer – and one would hope he will be back properly in the transfer market.
The central spine of the side certainly needs addressing – along with a couple of other areas both in the defence and attack, and this will prove key for the side moving forward.
High Points
Last season wasn’t all doom and gloom – there were some wonderful victories along the way.
Who could forget the exhilarating last-minute win over arch-rivals Liverpool in the St. Patrick’s Day thriller? The late wins over Brentford, Villa, and Wolves – and, of course, the crowning glory of a derby day cup final victory over City.
An undeniable winner
Erik ten Hag has something about him. A steely streak that every Manchester United manager must have deep within them.
He has proven unphased by the media and all the criticism, refusing to be drawn into the pantomime sideshow.
Instead, he chooses to get on with the task and attempts to win football games.
It said a lot about the man’s character that, in the eye of a media storm, his side produced arguably their best performance of the season at Wembley.
The Dutch tactician’s record at Ajax was outstanding also. He is a three-time Eredivisie champion and also delivered two KNVB Cups.
Who could forget that memorable Champions League semi-final run with a stunning young side?
With a full-strength squad and better luck with injuries, we hope the club can recruit well this summer and set their man up for a much-improved campaign.
I believe in the manager, and keeping him in charge is the right decision.
Season three could be a turning point in his and Manchester United’s fortunes.
Let’s see how it plays out.
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