Amidst another noisy week at Manchester United Football Club, Erik ten Hag will remain the manager for now.
Whether or not this club is playing football matches, one thing is for sure – the Dutchman will be in the headlines.
When probed regarding the manager and his future, the 20-time minority stake owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe portrayed he had no say.
Instead, he inferred that the decision rested with CEO Omar Berrada and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth.
Following a highly-publicised London meeting, this would appear to be the case after another international break of speculation and uncertainty.
Ineos are a breath of fresh air
All supporter’s beliefs are aligned regarding the ongoings at Manchester United – things must improve, regardless of who holds the hot seat.
This side struggles in the final third despite signing Joshua Zirkzee during the summer. Rasmus Hojlund is on the way back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is still raw.
Therefore, with the club labouring, the rumour mill continues to swirl as the former Ajax boss and his future at the club remain in jeopardy.
Sir Jim and his team made a statement by deciding Erik ten Hag would remain as manager despite a record-low finish in the Premier League (8th).
However, the backing of the Dutchman has been refreshing and showcases how they are not adhering to external noise.
Brentford at Old Trafford is the next fixture for Erik ten Hag, and maximum points are essential.
Without the 25% stakeholders in the club, there is the belief that the managerial position would have switched hands again.
As seen in recent years, this rarely works out for this football club. World-class managers have come and gone, including Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and the most recent Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
Ratcliffe and Co have stated they want to see this manager succeed with the proper footballing structure behind him. Currently, they are keeping their promise by retaining him.
Improvements are essential
Ten Hag and his coaching staff are under no illusions – matters must improve to retain their respective titles.
The Dutchman became a manager when appointed by Go Ahead Eagles in 2012. He will know more than most that football is a results-based business.
Due to heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham, pressure is at an all-time high.
Four draws and one loss are the outcomes of the most recent games. The draws came against Crystal Palace, FC Twente, FC Porto and Aston Villa.
Disregarding FC Twente, these results all came on the road and, in normal circumstances, would be deemed an acceptable result.
Palace dismantled this side just four months prior. On this occasion, United were unlucky not to collect the win.
Draws in Portugal and Birmingham would also be deemed acceptable outcomes on paper. Due to the nature of the Porto result, the jury immediately surfaced.
The club have seven fixtures between now and the next international break, albeit only four are league games.
Old Trafford is the venue for five of these ties, paving the way for the boss to reassure the hierarchy they made the right decision to retain his services.
Sticking may backfire – nonetheless, it’s different
There is no secret that the boss has lost supporters since the FA Cup triumph in May.
Heavy defeats at home and draws that could and should have been victories for the Reds have been the main drivers.
The media consistently report about his future – including one in May stating Erik ten Hag was to be removed regardless of the outcome of the Wembley showdown.
In all likelihood, the managerial position would have a new name if it were not for the addition of Ineos.
Whether or not Ten Hag departs, there is a statement of intent by the British businessman in all this.
Those who have worked with the FA Cup winner have consistently shared the same or similar opinion. He is one of the most tactically competent coaches available.
Benni McCarthy worked under the manager for two years. He recently admitted that he could not understand how it does not work out on the pitch for the club.
Speaking on the issues at the club, he reiterated that Ten Hag works tirelessly trying to find solutions to the current problems.
Furthermore, there is a clear indication he has stock within the Manchester United hierarchy.
Since May, this is the second opportunity to make a managerial alteration and instead, Ineos has decided to stick.
How do you feel about Erik ten Hag and the upcoming fixtures for Manchester United?
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