Ten Hag is no stranger to pressure, but the stakes have never been higher for the Manchester United manager after a disappointing start to the season. Despite winning the FA Cup last season, United’s eighth-place finish was a far cry from the expectations of the club’s fans and owners. With a new football structure in place, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Dutchman is under scrutiny to deliver sustained success. After Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, the question on everyone’s mind is: does Ten Hag have what it takes to turn things around?
Ten Hag’s Backing and the New Football Structure
The appointment of Omar Berrada as chief executive and Dan Ashworth as sporting director has given Ten Hag the support he needs to succeed. Speaking to reporters before the Liverpool game, both Berrada and Ashworth confirmed that Ten Hag has their full backing, despite the disappointing start to the season. “Erik has our full backing. We think he is the right coach for us,” said Berrada. Ashworth echoed similar sentiments, stating that his job is to support Ten Hag in every way possible to help him deliver success for Manchester United.
The new football structure is designed to provide Ten Hag with the support and resources he needs to succeed. Ashworth, who was appointed on July 1, has already made a significant impact on the transfer window, overseeing 32 deals, including signings, sales, and new contracts. One of the most high-profile exits was the departure of Jadon Sancho to Chelsea, a move that Ashworth believes was the best outcome for both parties.
Transfer Window Success
The transfer window was a busy one for Manchester United, with several new signings and departures. Ashworth estimates that 32 deals were done, including the signing of new players, sales, and new contracts. One of the most significant signings was the confirmation of Bruno Fernandes’ new contract, which Ashworth described as “a crucial part of the transfer strategy.” The new signings and departures have given Ten Hag a refreshed squad to work with, but it remains to be seen whether they can turn things around on the pitch.
Are You Confident in the Squad Now?
Ashworth believes that the squad is in a good place, despite the disappointing start to the season. “I’ve probably done 25 windows now. I don’t think there’s ever been one where we’ve gone, ‘it’s gone absolutely perfectly, we’ve done every single in and every single out,'” he said. However, with the players brought in and the depth and options Ten Hag has when everybody is fully fit, Ashworth is pleased with the squad’s prospects.
Manchester United’s Road to Success
Manchester United’s road to success will not be easy, but the club’s owners and management are committed to making it happen. With a new football structure in place, the club is well-equipped to make the necessary changes to turn things around. Ashworth believes that the squad has the potential to succeed, but it will take time and patience.
Berrada echoed similar sentiments, stating that the club’s goal is to create a team that is capable of competing for the Champions League, the Premier League, and the domestic cups on a consistent basis. “You need to take good decisions consistently for many years to get into a position where you are a financially sustainable club that is competing to win every single competition,” he said.
Adopting a Different Approach to Selling Players
Manchester United has adopted a different approach to selling players, with Ashworth stating that the process for selling is very similar to the process for buying. The club now has a framework in place to ensure that every sale makes sense for the club and the player. Ashworth believes that this approach will help the club make better decisions when it comes to selling players and generate more revenue.
The Impact of the New Europa League Format
The new Europa League format will have a significant impact on Manchester United’s squad, with Ashworth stating that the schedule is “pretty punishing.” The club will need to make sure it has enough depth in the squad to compete in the Europa League, while also keeping players motivated and giving them a chance to play.
The Future of Manchester United
The future of Manchester United is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the club’s owners and management are committed to making it succeed. With a new football structure in place and a refreshed squad, the club is well-equipped to turn things around. However, it will take time and patience, and the club’s fans will need to be supportive of the team as it works towards success.
As for Ten Hag, he has the backing of the club’s owners and management, but he will need to deliver results on the pitch to keep his job. With the pressure mounting, it remains to be seen whether he can turn things around and lead Manchester United to success.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club, one thing is clear: Manchester United will do everything in its power to succeed. With a new football structure in place and a refreshed squad, the club is well-equipped to turn things around and become a dominant force in English football once again.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s road to success will not be easy, but the club’s owners and management are committed to making it happen. With a new football structure in place, the club is well-equipped to make the necessary changes to turn things around. Ten Hag has the backing of the club’s owners and management, but he will need to deliver results on the pitch to keep his job. The future of Manchester United is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the club will do everything in its power to succeed.