The 2024/25 Premier League season is just around the corner, and Manchester United finds itself under the spotlight once again. Erik ten Hag, the man at the helm of one of the most storied football clubs in the world, is under immense pressure. As the season approaches, the big question looming over Old Trafford is whether ten Hag can withstand the heat or if his tenure at Manchester United will come to an abrupt end. Despite securing an FA Cup victory last season and earning a contract extension, the Dutchman’s position is far from secure. The stakes are higher than ever, and many believe he could be the first managerial casualty of the new campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s Tumultuous 2023/24 Season
Erik ten Hag’s first two seasons at Manchester United were nothing short of a rollercoaster. The 2023/24 campaign was particularly challenging, with the Red Devils struggling to maintain consistency. A club that has long been synonymous with success and silverware, United’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League left fans and pundits alike questioning whether ten Hag was the right man to lead the club forward.
The pressure on ten Hag intensified as rumors swirled about potential replacements. The likes of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, and even former United coach Kieran McKenna were all linked with the hot seat at Old Trafford. Despite these whispers, Manchester United ultimately decided to stick with ten Hag, giving him a contract extension until 2026. But this move was not necessarily a vote of confidence; instead, it was more of a gamble—a decision to provide him with the stability needed to succeed or fail on his own terms.
A New Era at Old Trafford: Ratcliffe’s Overhaul
Adding to the drama at Manchester United, the club underwent a significant transformation off the pitch. With new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, the Red Devils saw a major overhaul. Ratcliffe, known for his business acumen, wasted no time in reshaping the club’s structure, both on and off the pitch. Over the summer, United splashed out £150 million on fresh talent, bringing in the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui. These signings were intended to bolster the squad and provide ten Hag with the tools he needs to compete at the highest level.
Despite these high-profile acquisitions, the pressure on ten Hag remains palpable. Manchester United’s fanbase, known for its high expectations, is eager for a return to the glory days. The club’s management knows that another disappointing season could spell the end for the Dutchman, regardless of the recent contract extension.
Stan Collymore: “Ten Hag is Under the Most Pressure”
One of the most vocal critics of Erik ten Hag’s situation is former footballer and pundit Stan Collymore. In his column for Caught Offside, Collymore didn’t mince words when assessing the Manchester United boss’s predicament. He firmly believes that ten Hag is the Premier League manager “under the most pressure” this season.
“Erik ten Hag is the manager under the most pressure this season,” Collymore stated. “He was given a contract extension at Man United not because he’s done well, but on the basis of ‘let’s make him feel a little bit calmer, a little more comfortable. We want to give him the benefit of the doubt.’”
Collymore’s assessment highlights the precariousness of ten Hag’s position. The pundit suggested that the FA Cup victory over Manchester City at Wembley was the only thing that saved ten Hag from the sack last season. Without that trophy, it’s highly likely that Manchester United would have been searching for a new manager during the summer.
The Comparisons: Ten Hag vs. Other Premier League Managers
When discussing managers under pressure, it’s essential to consider how ten Hag’s situation stacks up against his Premier League peers. Collymore offers some intriguing comparisons, notably with West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui and Liverpool’s Arne Slot.
Julen Lopetegui at West Ham
Collymore believes that despite a busy transfer window at West Ham, Lopetegui will not face the same level of scrutiny as ten Hag. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui despite all of the new signings needing to gel, for the simple fact that he’s a good enough manager for that size of club,” Collymore explained. He added that Lopetegui’s task is to get West Ham competing for European football and maybe even winning a domestic cup in the coming seasons.
Arne Slot at Liverpool
On the other hand, Collymore touched on the pressure Arne Slot might face at Liverpool. The Dutch manager, who has recently taken over at Anfield, is stepping into big shoes after the departure of Jurgen Klopp. However, Collymore believes Slot will only be under significant pressure if Liverpool finds themselves “marooned in 14th or 15th” in the league standings. Even then, he suggests Liverpool’s management would likely wait until the end of the season before making a decision.
The Future of Erik ten Hag: Make or Break Season
As Manchester United gears up for the 2024/25 campaign, Erik ten Hag’s future remains uncertain. The Dutchman’s success—or lack thereof—will be closely monitored by fans, pundits, and the club’s management. The high expectations at Old Trafford mean that anything short of a top-four finish and a deep run in the Champions League could spell disaster for ten Hag’s tenure.
Moreover, the £150 million investment in new players this summer further raises the stakes. Manchester United’s management will expect these signings to make an immediate impact, and ten Hag must find a way to integrate them into his squad quickly. Failure to do so could lead to a repeat of last season’s struggles, which the club simply cannot afford.
Conclusion: Can Ten Hag Rise to the Challenge?
The 2024/25 season is shaping up to be a defining one for Erik ten Hag. With Manchester United’s history of success and the weight of expectations on his shoulders, the Dutch manager must deliver results. The pressure is immense, and the margin for error is razor-thin. While ten Hag has shown glimpses of his tactical acumen, he must now prove that he can consistently lead Manchester United back to the summit of English football.
Only time will tell if Erik ten Hag can rise to the challenge, but one thing is certain: the spotlight will be firmly fixed on him as the season unfolds. Whether he can turn that pressure into triumph or crumble under its weight will be the story to watch.
Source: Football365
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