Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy hopes the club’s loyal supporters rally round embattled boss Erik ten Hag – and inspire him to shine at Old Trafford.
United confirmed early this week that Ten Hag will remain in charge after a post-season review by the club’s board following prolonged speculation about the Dutchman’s future after a troubled season.
The 54-year-old guided United to the FA Cup title with a memorable victory over Premier League champions Manchester City in the last game of the season at Wembley. But last season’s league campaign was United’s worst top-flight finish since 2014, as the club finished a staggering 31 points behind City in eighth spot.
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The writing looked on the wall for Ten Hag with former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, ex-Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi and former Chelsea and Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino all understood to have spoke to United’s hierarchy about replacing Ten Hag.
However, after what the club described as “constructive conversations”, man on the brink Ten Hag was given a third season to prove what he can do.
“At the end of the day they’ve decided to keep Ten Hag, so good luck to him,” stressed McIlroy, who enjoyed a distinguished 11-year career at United, playing in star-studded sides which included George Best, Dennis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton.
“The club have decided to back him and I think the support is behind now as well, so get on with it. Ten Hag is our manager for next season, let’s back him and help him be successful.
“It would be great if all the fans could get behind him in that capacity. The decision his done and dusted and all the speculation has gone away, but 100 per cent the pressure is on now, so I’d hope the fans get behind him and back him all the way.
(Image: PA)
“They finished very strongly last season by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. They’re giving him a new contract, new players will hopefully be coming, so we’ll just have to see how it goes. I’ve got no qualms with that and he said he’s going to give it his best shot.
“But obviously next season is a massive season.”
Ten Hag impressed in his first season in charge and led United to the League Cup crown and commendable third place Premier League finish, as well as reaching the FA Cup final.
But the former Ajax boss, United’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, suffered a stressful second season, citing a string of injuries as the main reason for the club’s worrying form.
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“He’s won two cups in two years, so they’ve probably thought let’s see what he can do next season,” admitted former Northern Ireland international McIlroy, who made 419 appearances for United and scored 71 goals for the club.
“But now you have to forget the FA Cup, that’s gone. Manchester United have got to be pushing hard in the Premier League and European Cup. The club need to be competing for those titles. And Ten Hag knows that.
“Ten Hag knows what he’s got to do – he knows exactly what United are after. He said he can do that, so they’ve backed him.
“Everyone knows Manchester United don’t finish eighth like they did last year. Ok, we’ve won the FA Cup, but Manchester United are always competing for a top four place – because we have to.
“Finishing eighth disappointed a lot of people, but he knows that as well. He blames it on injuries, but he knows that can’t happen again. I’m sure he’s had plenty of talks with Mr (Jim) Ratcliffe – and he’ll be under no illusion what’s required.
“He’ll be aiming for a top four finish as a minimum and making we get back into the Champions League.
“Let’s not forget, [Louis] van Gaal won the FA Cup (in 2016) and [Jose] Mourinho won the Europa League and League Cup (both in 2017) – and they both lost their jobs. Ten Hag knows that, he knows type of season can’t happen again.”
United lost six of their opening 10 games in all competitions last season and crashed out the Champions League at the group stage.
(Image: Chris Lee/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
And one of the most worrying trends for frustrated United fans was how they lost games from winning positions, notably 4-3 to Chelsea having led 3-2 only to concede two stoppage-time goal.
“We lost so much ground in the early season, that just can’t happen again,” said McIlroy.
“Everyone expected us to kick on after his first season, but through injuries and whatever else it didn’t happen. He knows he can’t have the start which had last season, otherwise it cost him his job.”