Ten Hag's Success, But Still Not Enough

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Post on Oct 31, 2024

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Ten Hag's Success, But Still Not Enough

Erik ten Hag's arrival at Manchester United was met with cautious optimism. The Dutchman, known for his tactical acumen and his success at Ajax, was tasked with reviving a club that had fallen into disarray. One season on, the jury is still out.

The Positives: A Return to Structure and Identity

There's no denying Ten Hag has instilled a sense of order and purpose at Old Trafford. Gone are the days of haphazard tactics and a lack of cohesion. United are now a team with a clear playing style, built on a solid defensive base and a dynamic attacking approach. This has been evident in their impressive performances against top teams, culminating in a Carabao Cup triumph – their first trophy since 2017.

The Key Players:

• Casemiro: The Brazilian midfielder has been the cornerstone of Ten Hag's success, providing the defensive solidity and midfield control the team desperately needed.
• Raphael Varane: The Frenchman has partnered with Lisandro Martinez to form a formidable central defensive duo, bringing leadership and experience to the backline.
• Marcus Rashford: The English forward has blossomed under Ten Hag, showcasing his pace, power, and clinical finishing.

The Negatives: The Road Ahead

Despite the progress, the road to full restoration is still long and winding. Several challenges remain:

• Inconsistent Performances: While the highs have been impressive, the lows have been concerning. United can dominate against the best but falter against weaker opposition, highlighting the need for consistency and depth.
• Defensive Vulnerability: Despite improved organization, the defense still shows occasional frailties, and the lack of a truly world-class goalkeeper remains a concern.
• Squad Depth: While Ten Hag has unearthed hidden talents like Alejandro Garnacho, the lack of depth in certain positions remains a hurdle, particularly in the attacking midfield and forward line.

The Verdict: A Promising Start, But More is Needed

Ten Hag's first season has been a mixed bag. He has laid a strong foundation, but the rebuilding process is far from complete. To truly challenge for the Premier League title and achieve sustained success, he needs to address the remaining challenges.

The question is: will Ten Hag be given the time and resources to complete his mission? The next season will be crucial, as the pressure to deliver trophies and maintain progress will only increase. Only time will tell if he can truly turn Manchester United back into a dominant force in English football.