Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed agreement with former interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s assessment that the club needs “open-heart” surgery. Ten Hag, who took over from Rangnick in 2022, acknowledges the complexity of the task at hand and the need for significant changes to address the club’s issues.
Rangnick, who now manages Austria, led United to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League but struggled to achieve consistent results during his tenure. He believed that minor changes would not suffice and that a more extensive operation was required.
Ten Hag, who recently signed a contract extension, emphasized the accuracy of Rangnick’s analysis. In an interview with Dutch newspaper AD Sportwereld, he stated, “Rangnick was absolutely right… it is a thorough, very complex operation. And I knew when I started that it was going to be a tough job.”
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club last December, Manchester United has undergone significant off-pitch changes. Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, and Christopher Vivell have joined the board this year, and £50 million has been invested in improving the training ground. Additionally, the club has made recent signings, including forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
Ten Hag also confirmed the club’s interest in Bayern Munich and Netherlands center-back Matthijs de Ligt. Although Ten Hag has a prior connection with De Ligt from their time at Ajax, he clarifies that it was the scouting department that identified him as a potential transfer target. The manager remains uncertain about whether De Ligt will join the club, acknowledging the player’s existing ties with Bayern Munich.
In addition to discussing potential signings, Ten Hag confirmed that forward Jadon Sancho, who last appeared for Manchester United in August 2023 and spent the latter half of last season on loan at Dortmund, is now available for selection.
Ten Hag’s insights shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Manchester United and the need for a comprehensive overhaul. By acknowledging Rangnick’s assessment and emphasizing the complexity of the task, Ten Hag demonstrates a realistic understanding of the club’s situation. The manager’s confirmation of potential transfer targets and the availability of key players provides fans with valuable information about the team’s future plans. As Manchester United continues to navigate its path towards success, Ten Hag’s leadership and strategic decision-making will be crucial in achieving the desired results.