After two and a half years in charge, Erik ten Hag has been sacked as manager of Manchester United. The club announced his departure on Monday, but what went wrong and who takes over now?
Were ten Hag’s 2 Trophies Enough?
During Erik ten Hag’s time in charge at Old Trafford, the club has managed to add another two trophies to its cabinet. Those at places like Aston Villa and Newcastle United can still only look on in hope of winning silverware at this point.
But with the biggest revenue in the Premier League leading to hundreds of millions being spent on players during ten Hag’s reign, is that return enough? Their 2023 League Cup triumph was achieved in a final in which Newcastle were uncharacteristically poor during what was a great season.
Last season, they beat Man City in the FA Cup final. Again, their opposition criminally gave the game away and it is far from inconceivable that ten Hag could have finished his time in charge with zero trophies to show for it.
Now, as the team sits 14th in the Premier League after losing to an underwhelming West Ham side, his time at the helm is over. The next question is, who takes over now?
Former Man United Striker and Xavi Lead the Way
There may be some concern among Man United’s ranks at who they can attract to the job. Some underinformed candidates may believe they are arriving at the Man United of old. In truth, they are some way down the pecking order these days and other “projects” are likely more appealing.
Clubs like Manchester United cannot keep relying on history, as many in their fanbase do. Their board way want to review transfer strategy too having allowed ten Hag to essentially buy his favourite players from his former role at Ajax.
Given that those players could not propel Ajax to European glory, why did the club think they would be good enough to do so now? Furthermore, if they couldn’t cope with Spain, Italy and Germany’s best, then how would they win the Premier League?
What happens to Zirkzee and co now? That may depend on who the next permanent chief is. The outgoing manager’s fellow countryman, Ruud van Niistelrooy is favourite having worked with the club as a coach. He was also of course a fan’s favourite as a player.
Former Barcelona legend Xavi is also high on the list as is, predictably, Gareth Southgate. Frankly, if England struggled to recruit recently then Man United may do also. Without PSR, clubs like this could click their fingers and bring in one of the world’s best not so long ago. Times have changed.
Latest favourites for next permanent Man United manager:
| Manager | Odds | Current Team |
|---|---|---|
| Ruud van Niistelrooy | 8/13 | Manchester United (Coach) |
| Xavi Hernandez | 3/1 | Unemployed |
| Gareth Southgate | 4/1 | Unemployed |
| Ruben Amorim | 5/1 | Sporting Lisbon |
| Thomas Frank | 8/1 | Brentford |
| Graham Potter | 10/1 | Unemployed |
| Kieran McKenna | 14/1 | Ipswich Town |