Erik ten Hag: On Borrowed Time?

It’s been a while since my last piece on Manchester United, and despite the time that has passed, the fundamental issues at the club remain persistent and seemingly impervious to change. This stagnation is frustrating, as the club continues to grapple with long-standing problems, particularly in terms of its footballing identity, tactical evolution and subsequent results achieved under Erik ten Hag.

I watched United’s match against Tottenham with a mix of curiosity and scepticism, intrigued to see how ten Hag’s promised “attack-minded approach” would unfold. Leading up to the game, ten Hag emphasised a more offensive style, but I have grown increasingly doubtful about his supposed brand of football. Over the last month, we’ve been fed narratives about a tactical shift, but the reality is far less convincing. The sample size of games, along with the calibre of the opponents, hasn’t demonstrated a meaningful evolution since last season’s disaster.

When INEOS took control of the club, they came in with a clear vision, as any new owners would. Central to this was a desire for a possession-based style of football, one that mirrored the trends seen among United’s top competitors for years. Allegedly, Technical Director Jason Wilcox instructed ten Hag to transition toward this more controlled, possession-oriented approach, as last season the style of play was chaotic, erratic, and confusing at best. So far this season, little has changed.

What’s baffling is that when United were in the market for a new manager to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjær, ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino were the primary targets. Like many fans, I was pleased when ten Hag was appointed, hopeful that he would bring the same style of football he had successfully implemented at Ajax. Yet, when ten Hag publicly stated that United would never play that kind of football, for me that was an immediate red flag. It was as if the very reason we hired him was being undermined from the start. His subsequent declaration that he wants United to be “the best transitional team in the world” remains, at this point, a hollow promise.

This season, we’ve seen glimpses of United trying to press high and maintain possession, but neither approach has been executed consistently or convincingly. Some fans point to matches like the 7–0 thumping against Barnsley or the first hour against Crystal Palace as signs of progress, but these are meager examples, cherry-picked to support a narrative that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The reality is, the teams we have looked good against aren’t exactly top-tier opponents. Respectable performances against weaker sides aren’t an indicator that we’re on the right track toward challenging for major trophies.

Speaking of trophies, ten Hag has frequently reminded the media and fans that he’s won two domestic cups. But do these accolades reflect genuine progress? Far from it. As much as I criticised Solskjær during his tenure, his view that winning trophies can be an “ego thing” has merit. Short-term success can create a false sense of security and blind a club to the deeper structural problems that persist. It’s not always representative of the direction a team is heading in the long run.

Last season was nothing short of a catastrophe, and this season, we seem to have regressed even further. Despite this, INEOS has given ten Hag ample backing, allowing him to build a squad to his liking. Against Tottenham, we finished the game with eight players signed by ten Hag. Few managers at the club have been as thoroughly supported in the transfer market, yet the impact of these signings has been underwhelming, to say the least.

Leny Yoro is a promising talent, but injuries have kept him sidelined. Noussair Mazraoui has been reliable but was torn apart by Tottenham’s attackers. Matthijs de Ligt has been inconsistent, showing flashes of brilliance but also significant lapses.

Manuel Ugarte, expected to solidify the midfield, has failed to impress, and many fans anticipated this before he even signed. His acquisition never seemed like the solution to United’s long-standing midfield woes. Joshua Zirkzee, despite his technical ability and intelligence, has struggled to produce as a striker. With just one goal and four big chances missed despite an xG of 3, his output is frankly unacceptable.

When we examine Manchester United from a broader tactical perspective, this season has only reinforced my belief that we are not on the right track. The match against Tottenham exposed flaws that fans and pundits alike have repeatedly highlighted. Throughout the game, the reactions from many United supporters echoed my own thoughts.

The difference between United’s heavy investment and Tottenham’s more modest spending is striking, but the real contrast lies in how both teams understand and execute their systems. Tottenham, under Postecoglou, looked like a well-oiled machine, as they ruthlessly dismantled United’s disjointed press and denied any semblance of rhythm. The gulf in tactical clarity and cohesion between the two sides was glaring.

Which leads to the inevitable question: What exactly was United’s plan? From the evidence on the pitch, it seemed to consist largely of Bruno Fernandes launching hopeful long balls toward Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho. Is that really the hallmark of the long-term progress we’ve been promised under Erik ten Hag? It’s hard to see how this approach fits into any coherent vision for the future.

Watching United play in this manner is deeply uninspiring. The lack of energy, hunger, and motivation was palpable, and it was genuinely embarrassing to see these players, representing one of the biggest clubs in the world, perform so far below the standard expected. It felt as though they were simply masquerading as Manchester United players, without embodying the values or spirit of the club.

So, where do we go from here? What’s the next step? It’s clear that INEOS have a massive task ahead. They’ve already taken steps, thoroughly evaluating Manchester United’s operations and bringing in highly respected figures like Omar Berrada as CEO, Dan Ashworth as Sporting Director, and Jason Wilcox as Technical Director. Yet, despite these structural changes, it’s evident to both supporters and critics of ten Hag that further change is needed on the managerial front.

Manchester United require a head coach capable of implementing an effective tactical structure — one that gives the team a clear identity and builds a foundation from which they can realistically challenge for major honors. It’s that simple. Right now, ten Hag’s tactical blueprint seems unclear, and without that, it’s difficult to envision the club progressing.

As for whether the squad is good enough to succeed in the future, that remains an open question. Players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are frequently criticised for their inconsistency, but theoretically, they are talented enough to perform at a higher level. Why haven’t we seen that?

One argument is that ten Hag has misprofiled the squad, failing to build a system that maximises their strengths. Too often, the tactical setup feels ill-suited to the players at his disposal, and the result is a team that looks disjointed and unbalanced.

For United to thrive, the manager needs to craft a system that plays to the strengths of his key players — one that reflects a unified vision rather than a series of disjointed, short-term fixes. Until that happens, it’s hard to imagine United climbing back to where they belong among football’s elite.

If the club were to part ways with Erik ten Hag, the question becomes: Who is the right fit to lead the club into a new era of sustainable success? This decision isn’t just about finding someone with tactical acumen, but about choosing a manager who can instill a long-term identity and culture that aligns with INEOS’s vision.

1. Who Fits the Bill?

The ideal candidate must possess several key characteristics:

• A clear tactical philosophy that can be implemented consistently.
• Experience managing at the highest level, ideally experience in European competitions.
• The ability to maximise the talents of a squad, especially one filled with a mix of experienced stars and developing players.
• A track record of long-term planning, as opposed to short-term success, where building a team over time is valued.

2. Established Names: Tuchel and Nagelsmann

Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann both offer intriguing options. Tuchel is renowned for his tactical flexibility and success with teams like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, where he delivered trophies, including the Champions League. He has shown he can adapt his system based on personnel, which might make him well-suited to a squad like United’s, which still lacks a definitive identity. However, Tuchel has a reputation for clashing with upper management, something that INEOS would need to weigh carefully.

Nagelsmann, on the other hand, represents the new generation of coaches. His work with RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich demonstrated his ability to build dynamic teams with a strong tactical identity, particularly in terms of high-pressing, attacking football — something United has been trying (and struggling) to implement. At just 37, he would be a long-term project, but there’s the question of his availability given he’s currently employed with the German National Team.

3. Alternative Styles: Simeone and Inzaghi

If United wants to pivot to a more pragmatic, defensively solid approach, Diego Simeone could be the answer. Simeone has built Atletico Madrid into a European powerhouse with a distinct brand of hard-nosed, counter-attacking football, emphasising structure, discipline, and resilience. While this would represent a significant shift from the possession-based, attacking football United fans have come to expect and demand, Simeone’s history of making his teams difficult to break down might be exactly what United needs to stabilise after years of instability.

Simone Inzaghi offers another alternative. He has had success at Inter Milan, guiding them to the Champions League final as well as recently winning the Serie A. Inzaghi blends tactical flexibility with an eye for attacking play, making him an intriguing candidate. While not as high-profile as others, he’s shown a knack for maximising the talent at his disposal and building competitive teams.

4. The Risk: Frank and Hoeneß

If United is willing to take a risk, Thomas Frank of Brentford could be an outside-the-box option. He’s done wonders with a smaller club, developing a style based on pressing, quick transitions, and intelligent use of data. Frank’s ability to punch above his weight with limited resources suggests he might thrive in a bigger setting, but the leap from Brentford to United would be significant.

Sebastian Hoeneß, currently managing Stuttgart, represents a similar gamble. He comes from a strong coaching pedigree and has shown promise with his tactical intelligence and ability to develop players. However, much like Frank, the question is whether he’s ready for the intensity and scrutiny that comes with managing Manchester United.

5. Availability

Tuchel is currently a free agent and has previously had discussions with INEOS before about joining United, while Nagelsmann is currently employed but undoubtedly appreciated by the club hirearchy. Simeone is still entrenched at Atletico Madrid, but a move might be possible if the timing and offer were right. Inzaghi, meanwhile, is firmly in charge at Inter but could be lured by the challenge of managing a club of United’s stature. Frank and Hoeneß, being at smaller clubs, could be easier to acquire but present a greater risk in terms of experience.

6. What’s Next for INEOS?

Regardless of the managerial decision, INEOS must demonstrate ruthlessness not just in the dugout but in the dressing room as well. Continuity and chemistry are vital, but so is accountability. Too many players have underperformed with little consequence. If ten Hag departs, INEOS should signal a new era by sending a message that only those who consistently perform to the highest standards will have a place at the club.

It’s been over a decade since United last tasted consistent success under Sir Alex Ferguson, and the journey back to those heights will not be quick or easy. But INEOS must lay the groundwork now for long-term, sustainable growth. The right manager, along with a squad built on merit and performance, will be critical to getting Manchester United back to where they belong — challenging for Premier League titles and European glory. This isn’t just about finding the next coach, it’s about building a foundation for the future.