After a decade of underachievement and turmoil, there is a renewed sense of optimism around Old Trafford with the appointment of Erik Ten Hag as Manchester United’s new manager. The Dutch tactician arrives with an impressive track record, having led Ajax through a renaissance in recent years. Now, the task ahead of him is to restore Manchester United to their former glories.

The Past Belonged To Man U

Few clubs have a richer history of success than the Red Devils. Under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, United dominated English football for over two decades. You need only to look at any Casino online and compare historical bets to those of the current era. Since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the club has struggled to recapture that winning mentality. Several high-profile managers have tried and failed to fill his sizeable shoes.

Enter Ten Hag

Enter Ten Hag, who has a proven ability to build teams in the Ajax model with attractive, attacking football and by promoting youth. His credentials are apparent. In his five years with Ajax, Ten Hag guided them to three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, and the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019. He has built teams that combine technique and tactics. Changes are already underway at United. Ten Hag has stamped his authority early, dropping Cristiano Ronaldo and fining several players for leaving a pre-season friendly early. Consequently, discipline and focus have returned. On the pitch, fans have seen glimpses of a more fluid style of play emerging. But transforming this underperforming squad will take time. 

How Is He Changing The Team?

Expectations are measured for Ten Hag’s first season. A top-four finish would be acceptable, while a cup run seems achievable. The priority is laying the foundations for a brighter future. Various new signings have added quality and depth that the team has been lacking over the past decade. The emergence of young talents like Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho are also encouraging signs. In the long run, Ten Hag will be expected to make United title challengers again and return them to the Champions League stage they crave. For the board, backing him properly will be key. Previous managers have complained about a lack of support in the transfer market. Moreover, with ownership up in the air, it pays to wait and see what kind of support he will receive in the long run.

Around Old Trafford, there is a renewed belief that the glory days can return under Ten Hag. The early signs are promising, but patience will be required. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say. If Ten Hag is given time to reshape this squad, there is no reason why Manchester United cannot return to the pinnacle of English football once more. After all, for a club of this stature, success is not just expected…it is demanded.

In the coming seasons, Erik ten Hag will look to gradually implement his vision and philosophy at Manchester United. While immediate success cannot be expected, the early signs of increased discipline, tactical evolution, and player investment are encouraging. Of course, the road ahead remains long and challenging. But after years of drift and decline, United fans now have cause for optimism once more. 




------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.