Erik ten Hag: Should Manchester United keep or sack the Dutch manager?

Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager is under major scrutiny following a string of disappointing results across competitions. He is now fighting to save his job following the club’s takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The new football leadership hierarchy led by Ratcliffe has yet to give the Dutchman their vote of confidence.

Having joined in 2022, ten Hag has failed to establish a definite style of play in the team. Despite winning the Carabao Cup in the 2022-23 season, the club’s performance in other competitions has been subpar.

Manchester United were knocked out of this season’s UEFA Champions League after finishing bottom of Group A. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup in Round 4 following a 3-0 humbling by league rivals Newcastle United. United are currently sixth in the Premier League, eight points adrift of next season’s Champions League spots. This leaves the FA Cup as the only silverware they can compete for realistically.

The Red Devils will face Nottingham Forest in Round 5 of the FA Cup on February 28. With a lot riding on the game, Erik ten Hag will be under tremendous pressure to deliver. That said, let’s take a look at what Manchester United could do regarding the Dutchman’s future.

Why Erik ten Hag should be sacked

Every manager is judged based on results and their tenure at a club eventually comes down to how well they perform consistently. Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag, that is something Manchester United have lacked this season.

Despite being sixth in the Premier League, Manchester United have the poorest attack among the top 11 sides. They have scored 36 goals this season, one fewer than 16^th placed Brentford. To put it into context, Liverpool (+38) and Arsenal (+39) have a goal difference higher than the number of goals United have scored.

The Red Devils only have the second-best defensive record in the top six having conceded 36 goals, meaning they have a goal difference of zero. They have already lost 10 games this season, one more than the whole of last season.

Manchester United have also done poorly in Europe this season. They secured just one win in six Champions League group stage games, a narrow 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen at home. The other point came from a 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray. This meant they finished bottom of their Champions League group for only the second time ever. The last occasion was during the 2005-06 season.

They were also humbled 3-0 by Newcastle United at Old Trafford, a game in which they had just two shots on target. This has led to important questions being raised about Erik ten Hag’s credibility to carry on as the manager. However, with the main indicator speaking against the Dutchman, things look bleak for him.

That said, let’s take a look at why Manchester United could considering keeping ten Hag.

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Why Erik ten Hag should stay

When Erik ten Hag was appointed Manchester United manager in 2022, the team had several off-field issues plaguing the dressing room. Players were divided, there were considerable amount of leaks and performances were plummeting. Arguably the biggest factor was the destabilising impact of the club’s majority owners, the Glazer family, being indecisive in their approach to football operations. Now, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there will be new personnel appointed to carry out the same.

In terms of players, Erik ten Hag sanctioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit following unrest in the dressing room. Ronaldo had also given a critical interview about the manager and the club with TV personality Piers Morgan. That was the last straw for ten Hag.

He was also instrumental in freezing Jadon Sancho out of the first team, which led to his loan to Borussia Dortmund. Sancho had publicly criticised Erik ten Hag and refused to apologize, which led to their relationship breaking down. Additionally, the manager also dealt with Marcus Rashford’s off-field issues by dropping him on two occasions.

Injuries have made matters worse for the Dutchman, with key players missing significant parts of the campaign. Defenders Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez, midfielders Mason Mount and Casemiro, and Anthony martial, have all missed big chunks of the season through injury. This has majorly affected the manager’s ability to deliver results on a consistent basis.

One thing that will definitely sit right with Manchester United fans is Erik ten Hag’s approach to the situation. He has inducted youngsters Alejandro Garnacho (19) and Kobbie Mainoo (19) into the first-team, staying in tune with the club’s heritage. Starting striker Rasmus Hojlund (21) also has his best years ahead of him as the squad undergoes transition.

While several factors have derailed Erik ten Hag’s progress, there is no arguing he has made some tough calls which ultimately paid off. There is a strong case for Manchester United’s hierarchy to retain his services.

Verdict on Erik ten Hag’s future

Manchester United face a huge dilemma in regards to Erik ten Hag’s future. Should the club fail qualify for next season’s Champions League, or even compete until at least the semi-final of this year’s FA Cup, it seems likely he will be sacked.

However, failure to qualify for Europe means the club will miss out on huge bonuses. As per reports from ESPN, it will cost around £14 million for Manchester United to dismiss Erik ten Hag. It will also take around the same amount to appoint another high-profile coach, making it a tough decision. However, a financial blockade will not stop United from prioritising footballing benefits.

New owners also usually hire their own managers within a year in charge on average, putting another thorn in Erik ten Hag’s side. It looks unlikely he will remain manager beyond this season.

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