Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds himself in the survival phase of his career. His vulnerability was laid bare when Scott McTominay missed a golden opportunity to secure a crucial win in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Ten Hag’s reaction to the miss showcased the mounting pressure he is under as he desperately seeks to impress Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will soon become his boss. Ten Hag’s animated response, throwing his hands in the air and burying his head, highlighted his awareness of the high stakes involved.
Manchester United has experienced a rollercoaster season, filled with setbacks and disappointments. Their current standing in seventh position in the Premier League reflects their struggles, sitting eight points behind the top four and a staggering 13 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. Throughout the season, the team has grappled with uncertainties surrounding ownership and an extensive injury list. However, Sunday’s match against Tottenham marked a turning point for Ten Hag and United.
The game against Tottenham saw the first appearance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the directors’ box. Ratcliffe’s presence symbolized the impending changes at Manchester United, as he prepares to take a 25% stake in the club through a £1.3 billion investment. While the deal is yet to be ratified by the Premier League, it signals a shift in football operations, with Ratcliffe and his associates assuming control from the Glazer family, who will retain a majority stake. Ratcliffe’s focus on enhancing scouting and recruitment adds another layer of pressure on Ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s tenure has been plagued by unanswered questions surrounding United’s lackluster performances. Following the draw against Tottenham, even more doubts were raised. How did United manage to possess just 36% of the ball in a home game? The decision to deploy Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a limited right-back, at left-back was perplexing. Additionally, the repeated exposure of teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo highlighted Ten Hag’s questionable tactical decisions. Ultimately, the glaring concern is how a team boasting numerous talented and expensive players has only managed to win 10 out of 21 league games this season.
Manchester United often relies on “moments players” who can produce flashes of brilliance, but struggle with the more mundane aspects of teamwork and industry. Against Tottenham, their lack of cohesion was evident as they obstructed each other, surrendered possession through careless flicks, and failed to execute simple passes. However, there were moments of brilliance, such as Rasmus Hojlund’s unstoppable left-footed shot and his understanding with Marcus Rashford for the team’s second goal. It is Ten Hag’s responsibility as the manager to bring these moments together and rectify the team’s flaws, a task he has consistently failed to accomplish.
On the opposite side, Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou showcased his ability to overcome adversity, leading his team to two comebacks despite missing key players like Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs demonstrated a distinct playing style and a sense of coherence, regardless of who was on the field. This season, Postecoglou’s team has consistently overperformed, even after the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. In contrast, Ten Hag has struggled to navigate through challenging situations, highlighting the need for improvement to convince Ratcliffe of his suitability for the job.
In recent weeks, Ten Hag has repeatedly emphasized that results and performances will improve with the return of injured players. Lisandro Martínez’s return to the squad after a long absence and Casemiro’s reintroduction after being sidelined since November provide a glimmer of hope for Ten Hag. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are also back in training, offering further reinforcements. As the treatment room empties, and clarity and stability arrive in the boardroom, the pressure mounts on Ten Hag to deliver the results that will convince Ratcliffe of his competence.
Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager hangs in the balance. The missed opportunity against Tottenham highlighted his vulnerability and the need for immediate progress. Ratcliffe’s imminent arrival and desire to revamp the club’s scouting and recruitment intensify the pressure on Ten Hag. As United grapples with defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion, Ten Hag must demonstrate his ability to overcome adversity and lead the team to success. With injured players returning and a clearer roadmap for the future, the time has come for Ten Hag to deliver the results that will convince Ratcliffe he is the right man for the job.