Erik Ten Hag’s Future at Manchester United: Players’ Support Amid Struggles
The situation at Manchester United is growing increasingly tense, with reports indicating that while the players still back their manager Erik ten Hag, many believe his time at the club may be nearing its end due to the team’s poor run of form.1
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the Red Devils’ dismal start to the 2024-2025 season has sparked concerns about Ten Hag’s future at the helm, despite the backing of his squad.
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Manchester United’s Woeful Start to the Season
As of the first six games of the season, Manchester United find themselves in an unfamiliar position: 13th place in the Premier League table. The club, which boasts a rich history of success with 20 English league titles, has experienced a frustrating start, picking up only two wins, one draw, and three losses.
Their inconsistent performances have left them with a negative goal difference, with a three-goal deficit. This disappointing form has sparked speculation and unrest both inside and outside the club.
The Players’ Perspective: Support but Concerns
According to the report from the Daily Mail, there is a general sense among the Manchester United players that they continue to back Erik ten Hag as their manager. Ten Hag, who took over the managerial reins in 2022, has maintained a strong relationship with his players, and many still believe in his coaching philosophy and leadership.
The squad reportedly recognizes the Dutchman’s tactical acumen and commitment to bringing success back to Old Trafford.
Injuries and Squad Depth
One of the primary issues facing Manchester United has been a spate of injuries to key players. Several first-team regulars, including key defenders and creative midfielders, have been sidelined, leaving Ten Hag with limited options to field his strongest lineup.
The club’s lack of squad depth has been exposed, with many fringe players struggling to fill the gaps left by injured stars.
Tactical Issues and Defensive Frailties
Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has struggled defensively, particularly in recent matches. The team has conceded multiple goals in games where they were expected to perform better, and their defensive organization has been questioned.2
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Tactical adjustments have been inconsistent, and opponents have found it relatively easy to exploit gaps in United’s backline. The defensive issues have undermined the team’s attacking efforts, leading to a lack of confidence across the squad.
Also Read: Erik ten Hag Praises Manchester United Star Who Overcame Last Season Struggles: He is Capable
Erik Ten Hag Confident of Staying in Charge at Manchester United Despite Poor Start
Under heavy scrutiny, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains confident that he will continue leading the club despite their poor performances early in the 2024-2025 season.
The Dutchman, who took charge of the Red Devils in 2022, has faced mounting pressure as the team’s lackluster results have frustrated supporters and delighted rivals alike. However, despite a difficult start to the campaign, Ten Hag believes he can turn things around and restore Manchester United to their winning ways.
Manchester United’s Rocky Start to the 2024-2025 Season
Manchester United’s performances in the early part of the season have been a far cry from the high expectations set by both the club and its supporters. After finishing the previous season with a sense of optimism and a strong push for a top-four spot, United has struggled to find consistency this time around.
Two wins, one draw, and three losses in the first six games of the season have left the club languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table, an uncharacteristic position for a club with such a rich history of success..
Ten Hag’s Confidence in Turning Things Around
Despite the growing pressure, Erik ten Hag has expressed confidence in his ability to remain at the helm and guide Manchester United through this challenging period. Speaking to the media ahead of upcoming fixtures, Ten Hag made it clear that he believes in his project and the direction the team is heading in.
“I am fully confident in my position,” Ten Hag stated. “We are working hard as a group, and I have full belief in my players and the process we are implementing.”
Injuries to Key Players
- One of the main obstacles Ten Hag has had to deal with is the injury crisis affecting key members of the squad.
- Several first-team regulars, including defenders and midfielders, have been sidelined with long-term injuries, leaving the team weakened in crucial areas.
- The absence of these players has affected the team’s balance and disrupted the fluidity of their play.
- While injuries are an unfortunate part of football, the lack of squad depth has also been exposed, forcing Ten Hag to rely on less experienced or out-of-form players.
Erik ten Hag: From Player to Manchester United Manager
Erik ten Hag (born February 2, 1970) is a Dutch professional football manager and former player, currently serving as the manager of Premier League giants Manchester United. His journey from a promising centre-back in the Netherlands to one of Europe’s most respected football managers is a story of perseverance, tactical brilliance, and leadership.
Welcome to Manchester United 🔴 #SofyanAmrabat pic.twitter.com/4vDoZBu4Gp
— Ten Hag Mind (@TenHagMind) September 5, 2023
Early Life and Playing Career
Born in Haaksbergen, Netherlands, Ten Hag started his professional playing career with FC Twente, a club based in the Dutch Eredivisie. Known for his intelligence and reading of the game, he played as a centre-back, demonstrating leadership qualities even in his early days on the pitch.
Success at De Graafschap
In 1990, Ten Hag joined De Graafschap, where he achieved notable success. During his first season with the club, he played a crucial role in winning the Eerste Divisie (Dutch second tier) title. This achievement was a significant milestone in his playing career, helping him to gain recognition as a solid and dependable defender.
Return to Twente and Retirement
After his stint with De Graafschap, Ten Hag returned to FC Twente and continued to play in the Eredivisie. He earned a reputation as a reliable player and spent the majority of his playing career with Twente, accumulating more than 200 appearances for the club. Ten Hag ultimately retired in 2002 after a 13-year playing career, but his love for the game was far from over.
Transition into Management
Shortly after retiring as a player, Ten Hag embarked on his journey into football management. His tactical intelligence, combined with his experience on the field, made him a natural fit for coaching. He quickly gained experience by working in various roles within Dutch football.
Ten Hag’s coaching career began at FC Twente, where he worked as an assistant coach. His time at the club allowed him to develop his coaching philosophy and understand the intricacies of managing a professional football team. He then took charge of smaller Dutch clubs, including Go Ahead Eagles, where he honed his tactical acumen.
Also Read: Erik ten Hag Jabs at Roy Keane Post-FA Cup Triumph Over Manchester City, Career and More
Erik ten Hag: Managerial Career
Following his retirement from professional football, Erik ten Hag seamlessly transitioned into management, a move that would eventually see him rise to the pinnacle of European football.
Known for his tactical acumen, discipline, and ability to develop young talent, Ten Hag’s managerial career began humbly but would later gain him a reputation as one of the top football minds in Europe.
Early Coaching Roles at FC Twente
After hanging up his boots in 2002, Erik ten Hag stayed close to the sport by joining the coaching staff at FC Twente’s academy, a club he had spent a large part of his playing career with. His initial roles involved working with youth teams, providing him with the platform to develop his managerial skills and understand the nuances of the game from a new perspective.
Coaching the U17 and U19 Teams
Ten Hag began his coaching journey by managing Twente’s U17 team, followed by their U19 side. His hands-on experience with the academy helped him develop an understanding of nurturing young talent, which would become a hallmark of his managerial career.
Working with youth players gave him insight into how to instill discipline and build tactical awareness from the grassroots level.
Promotion to Assistant Manager
- In 2006, Ten Hag was promoted to the position of assistant manager at Twente, marking his first step into senior football coaching.
- Serving as an assistant under various head coaches allowed Ten Hag to gain invaluable experience. He was tasked with managing first-team responsibilities, learning how to run a professional squad while also continuing his work with younger players.
- His time at Twente laid the foundation for his philosophy of possession-based football combined with high pressing and quick transitions.
- Ten Hag’s first big break as a head coach came in 2012 when he was appointed the manager of Go Ahead Eagles, a club competing in the Dutch second division (Eerste Divisie).
- This marked the beginning of Ten Hag’s independent managerial career. He took charge of a club with limited resources but managed to implement his tactical ideas with significant impact.
Erik ten Hag’s Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Erik ten Hag holds a prominent position among the highest-paid football managers in the Premier League. His estimated net worth is around £30 million. This wealth is derived from his managerial contracts, bonuses, and endorsements, reflecting his success and prominence in European football.
Ten Hag’s Salary as Manchester United Manager
Ten Hag, appointed as Manchester United’s manager in 2022, quickly became one of the Premier League’s top earners. He reportedly pockets £9 million annually from his contract with Manchester United, making him the third highest-paid manager in the league.
This salary underlines the club’s belief in his abilities to rebuild and bring success back to Old Trafford after a turbulent few seasons.
Bonuses and Performance Incentives
In addition to his base salary, Ten Hag is eligible for various performance-related bonuses. These bonuses are linked to tournament performances, league standings, and qualification for European competitions like the UEFA Champions League.
If Manchester United qualifies for the Champions League or wins domestic or international trophies under his leadership, Ten Hag stands to earn significant bonuses that further boost his earnings.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
While Ten Hag is known more for his tactical prowess than his public profile, his growing reputation has led to several lucrative endorsements.
Managers of top clubs often attract corporate sponsorships, and Ten Hag’s association with a global brand like Manchester United has opened doors for him. Although his primary focus remains on football, these endorsements contribute to his growing wealth.
Previous Earnings
Prior to joining Manchester United, Ten Hag earned well during his time managing AFC Ajax, one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe.
While his salary at Ajax was considerably lower than what he earns at Manchester United, his success with the club, particularly during the 2018-2019 Champions League campaign, positioned him for a higher salary at his next club. Ajax, under Ten Hag, enjoyed a resurgence, which significantly increased his market value as a manager.
FAQ’S
1. What are the primary issues causing discontent in the Manchester United dressing room?
Ans: Reports suggest that disagreements over tactics, squad selection, and player roles are contributing to tension. Some players may feel sidelined or frustrated with the team’s performances and lack of consistency.
2. Are there any notable conflicts between Erik ten Hag and key players?
Ans: There have been rumors of tension between ten Hag and certain senior players who may be unhappy with their playing time or tactical instructions. Speculation often centers around miscommunications and differing views on how to turn the season around.
3. How is Erik ten Hag addressing concerns about Manchester United’s playing style?
Ans: Ten Hag is reportedly working on adjusting tactics and formations to better suit the strengths of the squad, although some players may be struggling to adapt to his preferred system, leading to inconsistent performances.
4. How are dressing room concerns impacting team morale?
Ans: Dressing room unrest can have a significant impact on morale, especially if it leads to a lack of cohesion on the pitch. Low confidence and internal tensions may contribute to Manchester United’s inconsistent form.
5. What steps is Erik ten Hag taking to regain control and improve results?
Ans: To address dressing room concerns, ten Hag is likely engaging in open dialogue with players, making adjustments to the squad, and considering changes in his approach to foster unity and improve results on the pitch.
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