Inside Ten Hag’s combat for his job – failed replacements and techniques masterclass
Most people feel a bit down and depressed when returning from holiday.
But Erik ten Hag must have been all smiles instead, having headed home from Ibiza to discover he still had a job. Ten Hag will have a tweaked role at Manchester United next season.
It’s understood he will become head coach instead of manager, while his influence in terms of player recruitment will be diluted. But ultimately, the Dutchman is still in charge of the United team. He’s got what he wanted.
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How he did it appears to be one of his greatest achievements since becoming United boss in 2022. Because United finished eighth in the Premier League, with a negative goal difference, and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stages.
Even though Ten Hag got his hands on some silver in United’s final game of an otherwise difficult season, it still did not stop the Red Devils considering other candidates, but nothing could be agreed. Investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now runs all football operations at United, looked on impressed as his team outplayed the great Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
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A team which won the Treble the season before, and one most regard as the greatest English football has ever seen. But it wasn’t the result which resonated most with Ratcliffe and his right hand and Sir Dave Brailsford.
It was the manner in which Ten Hag out-thought Pep Guardiola, and deployed tactics which left the Spaniard completely flummoxed. Ratcliffe also regarded United’s thrilling victory over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the FA quarter finals at Old Trafford as significant proof Ten Hag is capable of matching or bettering the best.
Now the challenge for him is to do this on a more consistent basis. And he will have to do so with some signings which won’t have been his choice.
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United deal in the currency of trophies, and Ten Hag has now won two in his first two seasons at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe made it clear when he spoke to certain members of the media in London earlier this year, that United will continue to be judged on silverware.
While crippling injuries and some off field problems not of Ten Hag’s making, weakened his hand. But there is no escaping the fact Ten Hag has also survived the sack because certain others couldn’t be persuaded to replace him.
Appointing Gareth Southgate remains Ratcliffe’s ultimate choice, but doing so is problematic to say the least. Southgate is currently masterminding England’s assault on the Euros and, even if he is willing to accept the United job, will wait until the end of the summer before deciding his next move.
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Other candidates have been considered, but nothing could be agreed. Ratcliffe spoke to Thomas Tuchel, but the German told him he wasn’t interested in going to United, while Mauricio Pochettino distanced himself from the job.
So Ratcliffe, following two weeks of talks with Brailsford, technical director Jason Wilcox and incoming CEO Omar Barrada, decided to stick instead of twist. It has to be said, taking so long to inform Ten Hag of the decision is negligent at best, and disrespectful at worst.
Ten Hag will have to rebuild his trust in all of the above, and ensure their working relationship grows. He will also remain on trial, safe in the knowledge a poor start to next season will leave him back to square one – and battling to save his job again.
