Out with one Dutchman, in with another
TDT | Manama
Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com
Manchester United announced yesterday that Erik ten Hag has stepped down as manager, ending a rollercoaster tenure that began in April 2022. Under his leadership, the club experienced both highs and lows, leaving a complex legacy at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag's Bumpy Road:
Appointed with high hopes, Ten Hag quickly made headlines by guiding United to two domestic trophies: the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. His ability to lift silverware was a welcome return to form for a club that had been starved of major honors since 2017. However, his journey was far from smooth. This season, United's form has taken a significant downturn, with the club currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League after 9 matches, having won just 3 games, drawn 2, and lost 4. Their goal-scoring record is particularly concerning, with only 8 goals scored and 11 conceded. The final nail in the coffin came last night in a dismal 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Early Struggles
Ten Hag's start was rocky; he became the first United manager since 1921 to lose his opening two league matches, suffering defeats to Brighton and Brentford. However, he quickly turned things around with a memorable 2-1 win over Liverpool—United's first league win against their bitter rivals since March 2018.
The highlight of the Dutchman’s struggles came during the 2023-24 season when United finished eighth in the Premier League—their lowest position since the 1989-90 season. This decline was punctuated by a record-breaking 7-0 defeat to Liverpool, marking the heaviest loss in the history of their storied rivalry. In the Champions League, United exited early after finishing bottom of their group. Ten Hag's second season also saw him reach another cup final, where United lost to City. To rub salt into the wounds, their city rivals went on to replicate their once-unprecedented treble—achieving it, no less, at United's expense.
Legacy and Impact
Ten Hag's tenure will be remembered for his attempts to instill a clear playing philosophy and his faith in youth development. He brought through several promising talents, like Garnacho and Mainoo, and made significant moves in the transfer market, including high-profile signings like Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. However, inconsistency and injuries plagued his squad throughout his time at United. The inability to maintain momentum in the league ultimately led to his sacking.
Van Nistelrooy Takes Charge
Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy steps in as interim head coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the club's culture. He burst onto the scene at PSV Eindhoven, where he led the team to the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield. Van Nistelrooy's high standards and demanding nature align with United's ethos, making him well-suited to stabilize the team amid uncertainty. Fans will be closely watching to see if he can inspire an immediate impact on the pitch as United seeks consistency and momentum in the Premier League.
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