The Challenges Confronting Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
Manchester United’s Struggles: A Tale of Stability and Regression
In the realm of Manchester football, a stark difference exists between the two titans – Manchester City and Manchester United. One club thrives on stability, while the other grapples with regression. The perplexing question arises: why?
Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, carefully avoids delving into this thorny issue but offers hints nonetheless. Speaking about his own club’s success, he indirectly highlights the current state of their rivals.
“We are in the same direction – chairman, CEO, sport director, manager and players,” Guardiola affirms. “Mistakes happen; however when we face setbacks or defeat, blame is not our focus. Instead, we seek solutions to improve ourselves.”
This approach has fostered stability within Manchester City Football Club that allows them to navigate both victories and losses without extreme emotions. In contrast stands Manchester United – a club plagued by ownership uncertainties and public rifts between managers and players.
The pattern seems all too familiar for long-time fans who have witnessed progress made under previous managers only to be swept away by regression in subsequent seasons.
Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure was initially met with enthusiasm due to his extensive experience as a sporting director with Red Bull Group – expertise deemed invaluable for a potential two-year stint at Old Trafford.
Rangnick quickly assessed the situation at hand during an interview in March 2022, just before a crushing defeat against Manchester City: “What is obvious, not only with Manchester City but also with Liverpool, is their continuity and consistency under a clear identity and style of play. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the club and contributes to their success – a common trait among top European clubs.”
His assessment was straightforward; Manchester United lacked such cohesion and needed to develop and improve over the next few years.
A month later, after suffering another heavy loss, this time against Liverpool, Rangnick emphasized that cosmetic changes were insufficient. A metaphorical open-heart surgery was required to address the deep-rooted problems within the club.
However, not everyone at Manchester United shared Rangnick’s perspective. They believed that Erik ten Hag could bring about necessary improvements through his recruitment plan. Consequently, substantial funds exceeding £350 million were allocated for player acquisitions.
Yet some critics argue that these signings have prioritized ease rather than long-term impact. The arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer garnered praise initially; however, it should be noted that he spent much of the previous season on the bench at his former club.
In addition to Casemiro’s acquisition, Christian Eriksen joined on a free transfer – an easy deal indeed but raising questions about the ambition behind United’s recruitment strategy.