Erik ten Hag, the Dutch coach, has been under mounting pressure since the start of the new season due to Manchester United’s inability to deliver consistent performances and a string of demoralizing defeats. The most recent setback was a 3-0 loss to their rivals, Manchester City, at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ten Hag was appointed by the Glazer family and the current United chief executive, Richard Arnold, in the summer of 2022, following United’s worst season in Premier League history. His first season at Old Trafford resulted in a top-four finish and a League Cup win, but there has been noticeable regression on the pitch this term.
Several expensive signings have been made under Ten Hag’s leadership, but with the team’s current struggles, including goalkeeper Andre Onana’s errors and Mason Mount’s limited playing time, the pressure on the 53-year-old has increased.
it is understood that the Glazers and Arnold are willing to support Ten Hag and have confidence in his ability to turn the situation around.
While the Glazers are in the process of relinquishing control of the club’s sporting operations, they remain confident in Ten Hag’s position as manager despite the club’s poor start to the season.
Ten Hag’s performance in his debut year at United and his successful tenure at Ajax have convinced them of his qualities, and they don’t solely attribute the club’s struggles to the manager.
Once control is assumed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first decisions are expected to directly impact the footballing structure.
The current football direction is overseen by CEO Arnold and John Murtough, the club’s football director. Arnold, in particular, has faced significant pressure and criticism related to his handling of off-field situations involving Mason Greenwood and Antony.
Ten Hag, like previous United managers in the past decade, has had a significant say in transfer activity, and he confirmed that both the club, represented by Murtough, and himself hold a veto over transfer decisions. This approach has faced criticism and led to cycles of underperformance, which Ratcliffe aims to address.
One potential change is the appointment of Paul Mitchell as a new sporting director or a similar role in the revamped football operation. A new approach to the club’s transfer strategy is expected, moving toward a club identity retained through managers, often referred to as a “continental model.”
The club is not expected to conduct major business in the January transfer window, although that could change if Mitchell is introduced before then. Jadon Sancho is expected to leave, but the club values stability on the managerial and squad fronts as significant changes are made behind the scenes.
United wants Ten Hag to focus on coaching and getting the best out of the available players, with an emphasis on stability and avoiding knee-jerk reactions while an inquiry into the current operation is conducted for the club’s long-term benefit.
