A NEW BOSS AT THE WHEEL

Michael Nardi

With the abysmal season United has endured this year, a lonesome bright spot has stood out above all else— the new appointment of Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag. A manager who is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the sport, Ten Hag comes to a united team that finds itself in the midst of a transitional phase that has seen the team continuously plummet down the Premier League table.

This season, United have had their off-the-pitch problems implode against them, including rumors being leaked to the press, the fans negativity towards Paul Pogba, and many players being off form. Ten Hag will have a massive task on his hands following the stained reputation left by current boss Ralf Ragnick who exposed many of the issues deeper than the product on the pitch. The current United players have struggled to adapt to a higher intensity style of play and have even refused certain patterns of play, Ten Hag will need to find his ideal squad if he wishes to make any sort of stride in the right path..

But what does United have to do to ensure Ten Hag will succeed? Simply put, he needs to have control of transfers to decide who will stay or go. United continuously have players who do not suit their manager's style of play or what the manager is asking for. Extending Bruno Fernandes to a long term contract before a new project has even begun is just a singular inappropriate move disproportionate to the rest. It makes the player forced to stay and his high wages make it impossible to be moved out if he fails to fit within the managers plans. Thus, the Red Devils cannot make the same mistake, Ten Hag’s style of play requires a high technical that relies upon certain players meeting his style of play.

Some players who I feel he may need to get rid of or will struggle to adapt are: David De Gea, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Maguire. Many of these players were key figures under previous regimes but for this new era will find it difficult to progress. For the current set of players, I see Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Fred, and Diogo Dalot succeeding as a direct result of Ten Hag’s presence..

Tactically, Ten Hag puts forth a very expansive brand of football as seen by his immeasurable success in the UCL over the years. His football is very vertical with Johan Cruyff's total football style that relies heavily on the interchanging of positions. He has also shown his ability to adapt as Ajax’s style in possession changed from his infamous 2019 UCL to the modern counter-pressing style of play.

However, what I admire most about Ten Hag is his ability to find many talented players, especially the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Dusan Tadic, Antony, and Matias De Ligt. He can find the players which fit his style and have become some of the most underrated players in the world of football.

My only doubt with Ten Hag is his ability to manage big egos. At Ajax, many players are just beginning to shine thus, it is easier to get the group on board with a tactical approach. With United’s struggles this season it may be harder to attract bigger players or move on from current ones, presenting Ten Hag with the chance to adjust towards what he currently has at his disposal.

Finally, with managing United comes the pressure of winning trophies and getting this historic club back to its very best. Sometimes his style will need to be adapted in order to succeed. As we have seen with some of the best managers in the game, beautiful football cannot always win trophies. This is imperative for United as they are currently on a 5-year trophy drought and have not won a Premier League title since 2013.

It is a massive task for the 52-year-old dutchman.