Pressure Mounts on Erik Ten Hag after Worrying Start
The Manchester United manager is under intense scrutiny after a poor start to the season, but unwavering support still comes from the club’s football leadership. Erik Ten Hag looks set to remain in his position despite two defeats in three opening Premier League games. Just for a moment, there was a sparkle about Manchester United’s season opener.
A late goal by Joshua Zirkzee secured an unconvincing 1-0 win over Fulham, but renewed optimism soon disappeared with back-to-back defeats to Brighton, Hove Albion, and Liverpool. The 2-1 defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion, who everyone recognizes as the underdog, raised eyebrows; however, the following 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool shook the Old Trafford faithful.
Will Erik Ten Hag stay at Manchester United?
These setbacks have only increased the scrutiny of Erik Ten Hag and amplified doubts over his ability to turn the tide at Old Trafford.
For all his early struggles, the football club’s management is wholly behind the man in charge. The future of Erik Ten Hag receives mixed opinions; some ex-players and pundits point out changes in recruitment or the club’s structure that might modify his attitude toward games. All they wonder is if he can turn everything around so his time at Old Trafford can be less turbulent.
One ex-footballer anonymously commented on Erik Ten Hag’s tactical decisions and the general play: “The football has been lackluster. We’re not seeing the same intensity and creativity as in previous seasons.”
Jammie Carragher agreed. “The team looks a bit misaligned,” he said. “There’s no thread or understanding between the players. It’s very clear Erik Ten Hag is still trying to get that formula just right.”
But some ex-players can still be optimistic. One of Manchester United’s legends, Gary Neville, believes the coach will be given a bit more time to alter things. “Erik Ten Hag is a talented coach,” he said. There is a need for time for him to have things going his way and to improve the team’s performances.”
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There was flak from fans, but in an act of public support for the beleaguered Erik Ten Hag, the football leadership team—comprising CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth—hit the press. They believe in his managerial qualities and the positivity he brings to the club. Berrada underlined how Erik Ten Hag has their full support and they are working very closely with him to try and succeed.
Jason Wilcox, who is the technical director, helps Erik Ten Hag with the game model and operational support. It helps a lot in supporting the ambitious goals of the club to build a winning culture. Additionally, the support of Manchester United for Erik Ten Hag is indicative of their desire for long-term stability. Managers being fired consecutively disrupts the progress of a club and brings a negative atmosphere. The club will thereby make sure to support Erik Ten Hag sufficiently with the desired resources and a time frame in which a truly sustainable project can take life.
Besides, the other thing Erik Ten Hag is more than capable of doing—and which would be his recipe for long-term success—is building a strong team culture. His focus on discipline, work ethic, and a winning mentality helps create that proper environment for player growth and team bonding. With all these, Erik Ten Hag has come at a time of change; thus, it does take some time for the team to get used to his ways. The next few months are going to be crucial if Erik Ten Hag is to change the tide and rescue his credentials to lead Manchester United. The pressure is only going to mount from here on, and the manager will have to prove his mettle by giving results to keep critics silent.
