Four reasons Manchester United were right to stick with Erik ten Hag and now is the time to back him

Manchester United via Getty Imag
Now that the dust has settled on Erik ten Hag’s future, here is a look back on why it was the best decision to keep him.

The Manchester United job is one of the most demanding and attractive in world football, and whoever is in the hot seat will be heavily scrutinised. So, there are no qualms that some sections of the Old Trafford fanbase might have wanted to see the back of Erik ten Hag after two years with the club.

Manchester United finished eighth in the league their worst position in the Premier League era. However, this writer believes the Dutchman has done enough in two years to warrant more time with the club. The FA Cup win over Manchester City against all odds suggested that he still had the dressing room, and players were behind him despite what might have been reported.

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So now that the club have opted to stick with him, here are some of the reasons why Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made the right choice in showing Ten Hag a little more faith.

Consistency and Stability

By keeping Ten Hag, United can build a consistent and cohesive team strategy. The Dutchman has a clear vision and philosophy, which can benefit the club in the long run. There was a risk of going the way of hiring and firing, but sticking with him shows the club is thinking long-term.

Player Development

Ten Hag has shown during his time at Ajax that given enough time and backing, he’s a master of improving young players. He’s already shown that at Manchester United with the way Kobbie Mainoo has been turned into a key player for club and country.

Not forgetting how the likes of Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have significantly improved. The club has invested a lot of money in players, and it’s only right that he gets the chance to bring them up to the level of the club.

Cultural Fit

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One of the traits for success, regardless of the field you work in, is the right attitude, and Ten Hag has consistently shown he’s got the right attitude towards work. He’s not been afraid to make big calls, as seen in how he handled the Cristiano Ronaldo situation, the Jadon Sancho situation, and even how he’s carefully handling the Marcus Rashford situation.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, when Manchester United were the best team in the land, they had all the ethics that made a great club. Those traits were thrown out of the window when they appointed other managers who just didn’t have the right attitude towards the club. His commitment to building a good team culture is quite impressive, and speaking to people who have worked with him, they say he’s a brilliant manager.

Generally a very good manager

The way United performed against City surprised many, partly due to the way they set up. Ten Hag has always been keen to say that when he has all his players available, he’s more than capable of competing against any team in the Premier League or in Europe. The Red Devils want to be back playing the best football and winning the big trophies. They have a better chance with Ten Hag than tearing it all up and starting from scratch again.

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