Erik Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both highs and lows. While the Dutch manager has added some unconventional trophies to the club’s cabinet, his impact is undeniably noteworthy.
Last season, United finished an unexpected eighth in the Premier League table—a disappointing outcome for a club with such a rich history. This season, too, started on a poor note as the Red Devils lost two of their first three games, despite bringing in top talents like Matthijs de Ligt from around the world. Although they bounced back with two consecutive wins, there remains a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
With expectations high and pressure mounting, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Ten Hag can turn things around and lead United back to their former glory.
Ratcliffe and Co to decide Ten Hag’s future at United
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the four key decision-makers at Old Trafford—Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe—will ultimately decide Erik Ten Hag’s future if they feel a managerial change is needed.
It’s worth remembering that these same influential figures backed Ten Hag last summer by awarding him a new contract following United’s FA Cup victory. However, it will only prove to be borrowed time unless the Dutchman brings about a consistent set of positive results.
As things stand, Ten Hag’s future will largely depend on how the club performs in the coming months. Recent positive results have provided a boost of confidence, but the challenges of a long season still loom large. The Dutchman’s tenure has not been without its controversies, including high-profile disputes with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, which have added further pressure.
Now that he has a squad shaped to his vision, there is little room for error. His fate will be dictated by the team’s results on the pitch, as only sustained success will secure his place at the helm of Manchester United.