Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, faces a pivotal moment in his tenure as the club grapples with an unsatisfactory start to the new season. After an alarming 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool, the Dutchman finds himself under scrutiny from both fans and leadership. The stark reality is that the faith shown in him by the club’s executives may be contingent upon an immediate turnaround in results. While CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth have publicly supported Ten Hag, their commitment appears tethered to the expectation of tangible success in the upcoming matches.
The beginning of Ten Hag’s second season has been far from encouraging, with Manchester United managing to secure only one win in their initial three Premier League matches. Last season’s finish, although ending on a high note with an FA Cup victory, was marred by an eighth-place league finish. This juxtaposition of highs and lows raises the stakes for Ten Hag, who claims that results matter more than anything else in football. He emphasized this sentiment in a recent press conference, acknowledging the collective ambition of the team while asserting the necessity of delivering outcomes. “In football you have to win, you have to deliver,” he stated plainly, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Ten Hag has been vocal about the ongoing transformation within the club, pointing out the significant changes in leadership and structure throughout the past year. He argues that understanding the context of these changes is essential in evaluating the team’s performance. Instead of focusing solely on his tactical decisions, Ten Hag suggests that the responsibility for the current challenges should be shared across the organization. He noted the “huge turnaround” the club is navigating and urged for a broader understanding of the implications these transitions bring.
In highlighting the issues faced by players, Ten Hag also came to the defense of Matthijs de Ligt, one of the summer signings who has faced criticism for recent performances. Post a lackluster performance in a match with the Dutch national team, Ten Hag reassured fans of de Ligt’s capabilities and resilience, stating, “I know Matt and he’s a great personality.” This gesture not only reflects Ten Hag’s commitment to his players but also mirrors the broader challenge of instilling confidence amidst uncertainty.
With an upcoming match against Southampton on the horizon, the pressure intensifies for Ten Hag and his squad. The outcome of this fixture may well serve as a bellwether for the immediate future of the manager’s position. He acknowledges the need for improvement and emphasizes that now is the time to capitalize on their higher aspirations. The phrase “we have higher targets than we’ve already achieved” resonates throughout the club, encapsulating the urgency to shift gears and find a winning formula. As Ten Hag navigates this treacherous path, the focus will undoubtedly remain on results as he forges ahead in pursuit of success for Manchester United.