Erik ten Hag Triumphs

Manchester United surprised everyone by winning the FA Cup final. They went into the final as the underdogs and took the lead in the first half by scoring two goals. This is a major accomplishment for Manchester United, as they are certain that they will play in Europe next season, but the future of Erik ten Hag is indeed uncertain.

After arriving at Old Trafford in 2023, Ten Hag had a season like no other as he led Manchester United to finishing third in the league and winning the Carabao, which is not bad for a new manager. This season has not been good for him. Manchester United has finished in the eighth position, the lowest since decades ago. They have been the team that has been receiving the most shots.

Well, we cannot deny the fact that Manchester United has had the most injuries in the league this season—42, to be precise. To add on to that, there are some players like Rashford and Antony who have not performed at their best this season. The question remains: Is ten Hag the right man for Manchester United? Is it better for him to stay or be replaced? Well, let's explore.

Manchester United had a bad season. Yes,  they have been really bad this season, losing to every Big Six club, and they could not let it happen again in the FA Cup final with Manchester City. They edged their rivals; the two young stars scored the goals that led them to victory: Kobbie and Garnacho. Kobbie was the man of the match; he not only put his name on the score sheet but also controlled the midfield.

After the final whistle, the Manchester United fans cheered as their team won the FA Cup title after eight years. Fans and players jubilated. Ten Hag danced with happiness, as this could change the perspective of how critics have viewed him. A few days ago, Bruno Fernandes posted a letter on X, talking about his frustrations and promising to do better.

While Erik ten Hag has guided Manchester United to the FA Cup title, the struggles and weaknesses he has shown throughout the season cannot just be masked by this achievement. Injuries have played a big role, constantly forcing Ten Hag to shuffle his first team. We cannot say he is the reason for the injury, but as the manager of the club, he should always find a solution to these injuries, and he did not do that.

This instability, particularly in defense with Lisandro Martinez's absence, hampered United's ability to develop a cohesive playing style. He just kept bringing it up. But the team was not playing entertaining football. Moreover, they were not bringing in results.

Furthermore, the reported fallout with Jadon Sancho showed how ten Hag is incapable of leading United. Yes, Sancho was in the wrong and irresponsible, but the manager, who is supposed to be the grownup in this situation, could have controlled and knew how to deal with him.

As mentioned earlier, the results speak for themselves: finishing eighth in the league and finishing bottom of the Champions League group stage. These setbacks, coupled with the internal conflicts, leave a question mark: Is Erik ten Hag still the right man to guide United?

The Verdict of Erik ten Hag

The tactics have not yet fully translated into the Premier League. Despite boasting an attacking brand in football, it has been predictable this season. The midfield in particular has been exposed in countless games; some might argue that his tactics have led to players like Marcus Rashford not performing at the highest level.

Clashing with players is also another issue, and this might have been initiated last season with Cristiano Ronaldo. But this season, the problem has continued with Sancho. This raises the question: Does ten Hag have communication problems? Or is it more the fault of the players?

The team's overall performance also raised eyebrows. They have missed out on the Champions League qualification, which was the key target. This also raises the question of his ability to close the gap with rivals like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal.

Ten Hag's time at United seems to have come to an end. The FA Cup win was a bright light at the end of the tunnel, but he had an underwhelming season. The FA Cup cannot overshadow the glaring issues that have plagued United under his leadership.

Inconsistent performances, tactical shortcomings against top teams, and reported disharmony in the dressing room all paint a picture of a team lacking direction. While a strong personality might have been what United initially wanted, it appears Ten Hag's rigid approach is not the answer. It is time for Manchester United to turn the page and bring in a new manager who can take them back to the pinnacle.

The Red Devils are a team with rich history and greatness. They need a manager who will strive to bring them back to the helm of English football. But unfortunately for Erik ten Hag at this time, he is not the right man to do so.

About the Author

Wopicho is a Ugandan writer with a passion for football. His support for both Manchester United and the African giant Al Ahly runs deep. And his love for the African game found its voice in FootyAfrica. He is the founder and main contributor to the blog. It remains dedicated to showcasing the continent's talented players, electrifying atmosphere, and rising stars. Wopicho brings African football to life for fans worldwide.

(Article Originally published on Curious Sports Pulse)