Thomas Hein
When he took the managerial helm at Old Trafford, many football experts predicted that Erik ten Hag would need at least a couple of seasons before Manchester United could seriously challenge for silverware again.
But following an exceptionally positive run of recent form, the Red Devils find themselves firmly in the hunt for trophies.
Building on strong foundations
Upon his arrival at the club, Ten Hag wasted little time in laying down the law, underlining his expectations for every player.
Several key signings were made, paying careful attention to some of the team’s weakest areas, as the Dutchman’s tactical preferences began to take shape.
The initial task was always going to be the most challenging of all, establishing the foundations upon which to build a competitive and cohesive team, something that had sorely been lacking at United for several years.
The trophy cabinet had been bare for the last four seasons, highlighting the magnitude of the work needed to revive a slumbering titan.
Not everyone was keen on what the new manager proposed, leading to Cristiano Ronaldo engineering an acrimonious departure, burning his bridges on the way out of Old Trafford.
His inflated ego got the better of him, continually casting a shadow over the rest of the team, and Ten Hag was never going to tolerate such petulance.
Having set his foundations in place, despite a shaky start and once the Ronaldo question was finally resolved, Ten Hag has been able to forge ahead with a promising Manchester United project. Most notably of all, the team has responded well and performed admirably, responding superbly to the demands of their manager.
Active pursuit of silverware
When the team suffered consecutive losses against Brighton and Brentford, the tenure of Ten Hag couldn’t have begun any more disappointingly. However, superb wins against Liverpool and Arsenal later contrasted this.
Then came further frustrations, when United opened their Europa League account with defeat against Real Sociedad.
Perhaps most humbling of all, the Red Devils were crushed 6-3 by Manchester City, underlining just how far ahead their neighbours remain.
Picking up the pieces and moving on was now the priority, taking each game as it came and looking to build some momentum. Thankfully, the team responded well and with steadily growing confidence, positive results followed.
Prior to the 3-1 slump at Aston Villa in early November, 9 games without defeat were run, featuring 7 wins and 2 draws.
United swiftly enjoyed some revenge, beating them 4-2 in the EFL Cup, which also paved the way for improved performances and even more impressive form. Ten Hag’s men have now achieved 8 successive wins in all competitions.
During winning run of 8 games, the team has produced 21 goals and conceded just 4, demonstrating increased ruthlessness in attack and greater solidity at the back.
Right now, this United side looks more than capable of winning trophies, particularly with options open for silverware on all fronts, which includes closing the gap in the Premier League title race.
Will this all end in success?
Based upon recent form and results, things are certainly looking rosy for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag, filling supporters with plenty of enthusiasm looking ahead.
The next game for the Red Devils is against the noisy neighbours, as legendary Sir Alex Ferguson famously called them. That being said, there’s much more to Manchester City than just noise these days.
Right now and over the last several seasons, City has reached the level to which United currently still aspire, largely dominating the English game. Beating them would be another feather in the cap for Ten Hag, and one that puts his team right in the thick of the Premier League title race.
Oddsmakers have steadily been shortening prices for United in recent weeks, amidst growing confidence they can finish the 2022-23 season with silverware.
Based upon the latest professional betting insights from SBO, comparing the odds for each competition is certainly worthwhile, given they can vary from one bookie to the next.
Considering the monumental challenge undertaken by Ten Hag, ending the campaign with any trophy will make this a successful season, particularly if accompanied by finishing within the top four.
Becoming genuine challenger in the Premier League, this will always be the most important yardstick for progress and success, and United will always prioritise that objective.
