Manchester United’s current manager, Erik ten Hag, has faced numerous challenges during his 18-month tenure at Old Trafford. From public rows with players to a lackluster start to the 2023-24 campaign, Ten Hag’s position as the right man for the job is being questioned. Previously, supporters demanded that any prospective owner commit to keeping Ten Hag as manager due to the progress the team was making under his leadership. However, the tide has turned, and there is now a growing chorus of fans openly calling for a managerial change.
Notable Decline in Performance
Ten Hag’s popularity has waned due to the team’s decline in performance. Following their triumph over Barcelona in the Europa League and their Carabao Cup win against Newcastle United, United’s recent form has been lackluster, with early exits from Europe and humbling defeats to West Ham and Nottingham Forest over the Christmas period. This decline has led to a loss of faith in Ten Hag’s ability to turn things around, both from fans and from Ineos, the club’s new minority stakeholder.
Shift in Power Dynamics
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United, a shift in power dynamics has occurred. Ratcliffe is set to delegate football operations to Ineos confidants Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc. Their faith in Ten Hag has reportedly diminished during negotiations with the Glazer family, and their plans for the future of the club might not align with keeping Ten Hag as the manager. This places Ten Hag in a precarious position as he seeks to maintain his influence within the football operations and prove his worth to the new stakeholders.
Reluctance to Relinquish Power
Sources reveal that Ten Hag is hesitant to give up any power in the new structure, particularly regarding his role in identifying transfer targets. His contract grants him veto power over all transfer decisions, but he has gone beyond that, leading to the signing of players he worked with previously or those with links to Holland. However, some of these signings, such as Antony, have raised questions as they have failed to justify their high transfer fees. Ineos, as a new owner, aims to avoid overspending on mediocre players, which further puts Ten Hag’s position at risk.
The example of Thomas Tuchel’s departure from Chelsea highlights the tensions that can arise between a new owner and an inherited manager resistant to change. Tuchel was sacked just 100 days after working under new owner Todd Boehly due to disagreements over management style and transfer decisions. This serves as a cautionary tale for Ten Hag, as he must navigate these potential conflicts and prove his adaptability to the new ownership structure.
As Ineos’ stake in Manchester United is set to be officially ratified, a plan for the club’s future will begin to take shape. While there is an inclination to keep Ten Hag until the end of the season, poor results may force the hand of Ineos to act sooner. Alternative managerial options, such as Graham Potter, have been informally approached, indicating the growing doubts about Ten Hag’s ability to lead the team successfully. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag’s positive response to Ratcliffe’s deal can translate into a long-term commitment from Ineos.
Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has faced significant challenges, from a decline in fan support to questions over his ability to lead the team to success. The arrival of new stakeholders and their desire to revamp the football side of the club may further strain Ten Hag’s position. He must navigate the delicate power dynamics, address concerns about his transfer decisions, and prove his adaptability to the new ownership structure. The future of Ten Hag at Manchester United hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if he can convince Ineos that he remains the right man for the job.
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