Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, believes that despite their struggles to win games, his team is one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides. However, their recent form does not reflect this claim, as they have only won one game in 90 minutes since mid-March and have taken just seven points from their last six league matches. In their past eight fixtures, there have been a total of 38 goals scored.
Ten Hag defended his decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo after 65 minutes in their recent match against Burnley, which resulted in boos from home supporters. He explained that it was a high-intensity game and it was important to protect young players who are still in their first years in the Premier League. He acknowledged that fans want to see the skills these players bring but emphasized that he has to prioritize their development and well-being.
The manager also compared his current squad to the United team of 2004-05, which had young players like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. He pointed out that even that team struggled and took time to progress. He emphasized the importance of patience and understanding that building a strong team takes time.
Behind the scenes at Old Trafford, there is a sense of realism. The club’s financial situation is tight, especially with the current Premier League profit and sustainability regulations in place. It is unlikely that United will generate significant profits from player sales, even if they decide to sell homegrown talent Mason Greenwood or Jadon Sancho. This means that it may take until the 2025-26 campaign for United to truly challenge for titles.
The future of Ten Hag at Manchester United is uncertain. While he will remain in charge until the FA Cup final on May 25th, it is unclear if he will be given the opportunity to execute the long-term plan beyond that. The club’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has ambitious goals for United, but it may take time before they can fully realize them.
In conclusion, while Manchester United may be considered one of the Premier League’s entertaining teams, their recent struggles to win games and the need for patience and time to build a strong squad indicate that they are still a work in progress. The financial constraints at the club further emphasize the need for a long-term approach. Only time will tell if Ten Hag will be the one to lead United to success.