Erik ten Hag's Future at Manchester United: A Manager Under Siege

The tenure of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United is facing its sternest test yet, as a string of disappointing results in the 2024/25 season has led to mounting speculation about his future. The Dutchman, who arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 with a reputation as a tactical mastermind after success with Ajax, now finds himself battling to keep his job. Fans, pundits, and insiders alike are questioning whether Ten Hag has what it takes to lead United out of their current slump or if the club needs to move in a new direction.

A Dismal Start to the Season

Manchester United’s season began with optimism following a summer in which Ten Hag was backed heavily in the transfer market. The club spent big on players like Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, and Sofyan Amrabat, giving the manager a squad brimming with talent and potential. However, the results on the pitch have fallen short of expectations.

As of October 2024, United finds itself languishing in mid-table, far from the top-four position required for Champions League qualification. Defeats to teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have left fans frustrated, with many pointing to tactical inconsistencies and defensive frailties as key issues. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, such as their first-half performance against Crystal Palace, the team has failed to deliver consistently.

Tactical Missteps and Defensive Vulnerabilities

One of the key criticisms leveled against Ten Hag is his tactical approach. His system, which emphasizes possession-based football and high pressing, worked well at Ajax, but it has struggled to translate to the Premier League. United’s defense, in particular, has been exposed repeatedly, with lapses in concentration leading to costly goals.

The defeat against Tottenham was a case in point. United’s backline looked fragile against Spurs' dynamic attack, with Ollie Watkins and James Maddison running rings around the defenders. Ten Hag’s insistence on playing a high line left the team vulnerable to counter-attacks, a strategy that opponents have increasingly exploited.

Further, questions have been raised about the players’ belief in Ten Hag’s system. In football, a manager’s philosophy can only succeed if the squad fully buys into it. There have been whispers that some players are struggling to adapt to the Dutchman’s methods, leading to a fractured dressing room. Historically, a loss of faith from the players has been the beginning of the end for managers at big clubs like Manchester United.

The October Test: A Season-Defining Month

October 2024 is shaping up to be a make-or-break period for Erik ten Hag. The upcoming fixtures present significant challenges, starting with a Europa League clash against Portuguese side FC Porto. Despite not being the European powerhouse they once were, Porto remains a formidable opponent, particularly at home. A poor result here could set the tone for what might be Ten Hag’s final month at the helm.

Following the Europa League tie, United faces Aston Villa away from home. Villa, under Unai Emery, have been in sparkling form, and their pacey attack could prove too much for United’s struggling defense. If Ten Hag fails to secure a result here, the pressure from the board and fans will undoubtedly intensify.

The fixture list doesn’t get any easier, with Brentford and a reunion with former United manager José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe awaiting. Mourinho, who knows all too well the pressures of managing at Old Trafford, could be the one to deliver the final blow to Ten Hag’s tenure. Ironically, Mourinho was dismissed by United in similar circumstances back in 2018.

Boardroom Uncertainty and Financial Considerations

Behind the scenes, the uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership has only added to Ten Hag’s woes. The Glazer family’s controversial ownership of Manchester United has been a point of contention among fans for years. However, recent developments, including the potential sale of the club and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s interest in taking a controlling stake, have created a tense atmosphere in the boardroom.

Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations have also been a looming concern. United’s summer spending spree has left the club walking a financial tightrope. Should United fail to qualify for the Champions League, the financial repercussions could be severe, leading to further cuts in the transfer budget. This, in turn, puts even more pressure on Ten Hag to deliver results now.

The board, led by CEO Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough, has reportedly grown impatient with the lack of progress under Ten Hag. While sacking a manager mid-season is always a difficult decision, United have shown in the past that they are willing to act decisively when necessary. The decision to part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021 and Mourinho before him shows that United’s hierarchy is not afraid to pull the trigger.

Possible Replacements: Who Could Take Over?

Should Manchester United decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag, the club will need to find a suitable replacement quickly. Several names have already been linked to the job. One of the leading candidates is former United player and Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy, who has been honing his managerial skills in the Eredivisie, is seen by many as a natural successor to Ten Hag. His connection to the club and his understanding of its culture make him an appealing option.

Other potential candidates include former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England manager Gareth Southgate. Both managers have a strong reputation for developing young talent and could bring a fresh approach to United. However, hiring a new manager in the middle of the season comes with its risks, especially when the club is already underperforming.

Can Ten Hag Turn It Around?

Despite the mounting pressure, Erik ten Hag still has a chance to save his job. Football is a results-driven business, and a strong run of form could quickly change the narrative. The key for Ten Hag will be finding a way to shore up United’s defense and getting the best out of his attacking talents like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.

Injuries have also played a role in United’s struggles, with key players like Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martínez missing large chunks of the season. If Ten Hag can navigate through October and get his squad back to full strength, there is still hope that United can turn their season around.

Conclusion: A Manager on the Brink

Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager is hanging by a thread. The club’s poor start to the season, coupled with tactical missteps and a divided dressing room, has left the Dutchman facing an uncertain future. October will be a defining month, and the next few games could determine whether Ten Hag remains in charge at Old Trafford or if United will be searching for a new manager.

For now, the ball is in Ten Hag’s court, but time is running out.