Erik ten Hag arrived at Manchester United in 2022 with high hopes and a clear mission—to restore the club to its former glory. Fast forward to today, the Dutchman has overseen the spending of over €600 million, bringing in names like Antony, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Højlund. Yet, here we are in Ten Hag's third season, and Manchester United still seems lost, struggling to find any real identity on the pitch.
Where’s the Identity?
After nearly three years, fans and pundits alike are still asking the same question: "What is Manchester United under Erik ten Hag?" There’s been little evidence of a cohesive style of play. Despite some early promise, the team has failed to develop a consistent philosophy.
Former footballer Nigel Reo-Coker summed it up perfectly: “They have no identity, no culture, and none of it represents what Manchester United once were”.
The club's performances have been increasingly lackluster, with results that fall far below expectations. Manchester United are 13th in the Premier League standings, and the numbers don’t lie—13 losses last season, a goal difference of -3 this season. For a club that has spent so heavily, these figures are alarming.
Over€600 Million—and What Do They Have to Show?
--- Antony (€95 million): A player who has struggled to justify his price tag, contributing only 17 goals in 84 appearances.
--- Casemiro (€70 million) – The Brazilian midfielder was brought in from Real Madrid with high expectations given his pedigree. While Casemiro made an immediate impact in the first season, his form this season has been below par. Concerns about his age and mobility in a fast-paced Premier League have only grown. (Why would anyone justify spending €70 million on a 30-year-old player whose performance was on the decline?)
--- Andre Onana (€52 million) – Replacing David De Gea in goal, Onana was brought in to help United play out from the back. However, his high-profile errors early in his United career have made him a controversial figure, with many fans questioning if he was the right choice for the role.
--- Mason Mount (€65 million) and Rasmus Højlund (€70 million): Both players have been sidelined with injuries and have yet to make any significant impact.
Of the over €600 million spent, only Lisandro Martínez can be considered a relative success, but even he has had inconsistent performances. Manchester United’s inability to extract the best out of these players raises serious questions about Ten Hag’s transfer strategy.
Poor Man-Management: Ego Meets Ego
Ah, Cristiano Ronaldo, the man, the myth, the… oh wait, he left. And not on good terms either. Ten Hag’s management of Ronaldo was nothing short of a soap opera, and spoiler alert: it didn’t end well. When you manage one of the biggest egos in world football, you need tact. Instead, Ten Hag went for the “rip the Band-Aid off” approach, which, unsurprisingly, backfired.
One fan quipped, "Ronaldo could have been the king of Old Trafford, but Ten Hag treated him like an old lawnmower that didn’t start anymore." Not a great look, Erik. This was Ronaldo we’re talking about—not some fringe player. His eventual departure wasn’t just a loss of a star; it left a gaping hole in United’s squad. Ten Hag’s treatment of Jadon Sancho was nothing short of disastrous.
Fans Losing Patience
It’s hard to ignore the growing discontent among fans. After three seasons of inconsistent results, poor tactics, and underwhelming performances, many are calling for a change. As one frustrated fan put it, “We’ve literally had four managers in 10 years, and they’ve all been mediocre. Why are we afraid of sacking another one?”
Another fan was more direct: “Every game under Erik from now on is simply a waste of time. For him, for the club, and for the fans”
Is Ten Hag to Blame?
Some argue that the issues at Manchester United go beyond Ten Hag, citing structural problems within the club which has been fixed with the incoming of INEOS. When a manager has had nearly €700 million to spend and has failed to improve performances on the pitch, the responsibility ultimately rests with him.
One fan stated: "Man Utd’s weaknesses out of possession are exactly the same as last season. Just compare how Olise & Kulusevski both battered them in similar style due to a disjointed pressing structure. The coach simply does not know how to address it. His time is up."
Even Martin Keown, a former Arsenal player, and pundit criticized Manchester United for persisting with Ten Hag, noting, “If you’re going to stick with a manager who lost 13 Premier League games last year, it’s quite astonishing”
He further stated that a club of United’s stature should be challenging for titles, not languishing in mediocrity.
Ten Hag's Unwanted Milestones at Manchester United
Despite spending close to €600 million on signings, the Dutchman has overseen some of the most forgettable moments in the club’s storied history. Let’s highlight a few of the most glaring negative milestones under his watch:
--- Most defeats in a single Premier League season (13)
--- First Manchester United manager to finish below 7th
--- First English side to concede 15 goals in the Champions League group stage.
--- The quickest goal conceded after scoring in Premier League history.
--- First Premier League defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
--- First back-to-back Champions League matches conceding 3+ goals
--- First time losing 4 of the opening 7 Premier League games
--- Conceding 23 shots at Old Trafford for the first time.
These records not only underline United’s tactical issues but also show the team’s shocking fragility, especially in high-pressure situations. The inability to address the defense, the failure to establish a clear identity, and setting multiple negative records make it increasingly difficult to justify Erik Ten Hag’s continued tenure at Manchester United
Time’s Up: What’s Next?
At this point, over €600 million has been spent, countless promises made, and very little has come to fruition. Manchester United currently sits 13th in the Premier League with a -3 goal difference. These aren’t stats you associate with a club of this stature. For a club with a history like United’s, mediocrity isn’t acceptable—and neither should Ten Hag's tenure be.
The harsh truth? Erik ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford is running out, if it hasn’t already. It’s been nearly three seasons, and the club is still trying to find its way. For the fans, for the players, and for the future of Manchester United, it’s time to part ways with Ten Hag and find someone who can deliver on the promise of this great club.
After all, €600 million should get you more than inconsistency, and a confused style of play. Manchester United deserves better. The fans deserve better. The question is, will the board act before it's too late?
