Arguably the toughest job in football, Erik Ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager was under threat towards the end of last season. The difficulties faced during the 2023/2024 season by not only the manager but the club as a whole caused huge questions surrounding whether the Dutchman is the right person for the job.
There are certainly factors that had to be considered as to why he under-performed but didn't actually perform as badly as many think.
Injuries, Takeovers and Off-Field Politics
There’s little to no doubt that Manchester United had an injury-ravaged season. Rarely did they have their full-strength team all fit and it’s the defence that has suffered the most. Erik Ten Hag's men conceded an XG against of 1.85 per 90 minutes, compared to the league average of 1.59, proving how poor they were at defending shots on goal during the season. The injuries certainly affected this.
New goalkeeper Andre Onana was without a consistent defence in front of him and those who did play couldn't play the way Erik Ten Hag wants to. Although Harry Maguire was consistently good last season, he isn’t blessed with pace and therefore cannot play a high line, something that Ten Hag wants and something that would benefit Onana.
Left-back Tyrell Malacia didn't feature at all last season due to injury and Luke Shaw was also out of action for prolonged periods, missing 34 games across the season.
Right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed 21 games but luckily, Diogo Dalot was ever-present in United’s match day squads all season. Whether it’s at right-back or left back, the 25 year old was extremely reliable.
It’s at centre back that United really struggled. Seven different players have played at centre back, each with different attributes and playing styles. The ideal centre back partnership of Raphael Varane and last season's £50 million signing, Lisandro Martinez were both ravaged by injuries. Varane featured in just 32 games this season, of which he’s come off the bench seven times. Martinez only played 14 times last season, featuring in just 11 starting lineups. He’s missed 36 games due to injury and has never been able to get any momentum going. With Varane leaving this summer, Ten Hag has yet another headache on his hands.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindeloff, Johnny Evans and Willy Kambwala missed a combined 35 games in all competitions due to injury, however, at a point towards the end of the season, Varane, Martinez, Lindeloff, Evans and Kambwala were all out injured, forcing Casemiro to play out of position in defence, something that he clearly struggled with and looked half the player he usually does.
£50 million summer signing Mason Mount was been injured for 27 games and hasn’t settled into the team even when he has been fit. Between Scott McTominay, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen a total of 39 games were lost through injury.
As for the forward line, as with the midfield and the defence, a high number of games were missed due to injury, with Anthony Martial somewhat predictably being out injured for the majority of the season. Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund missed 13 games through injury, however, began to settle into his rhythm towards the middle to latter end of the season.
Take over at Christmas
On Christmas Eve it was officially announced that Ineos, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe would take over a 25% stake in Manchester United to focus on the football side of the job. Although this was positive for some fans, it led to plenty of disruption within the club itself. For Ten Hag, it caused uncertainty with regard to his managerial position, which as we know lasted until after the season concluded. Would Ineos want their own manager whom they trust and hire themselves? No one really knew what their stance was.
There were huge shake-ups behind the scenes with senior figures losing their jobs with Ineos wanting to bring in their own people. It caused large unrest in the club from top to bottom.
Further Outside Distractions
Antony, Greenwood, Rashford. Three high-profile players, all of which have had outside distractions that have directly hindered Ten Hag. We know the issues surrounding Mason Greenwood, the allegations against him and his arrest. Rumours were circulating last summer that Manchester United, with the backing of the manager, would be interested in bringing Mason Greenwood back to the club. The backlash that occurred due to this decision forced them to rethink their plan, loaning him out to Spanish side Getafe.
Last year’s blockbuster signing, Antony didn’t hit the ground running in his debut season in England, however, he was always going to be judged on his second season at Old Trafford. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, in September he was removed from the Brazil squad due to allegations of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend. Although he denies the allegations, United granted him an extended break to deal with the situation, ruling him out for the majority of September. After this, he’s struggled to hit any sort of form, getting an average season rating of just 6.54 from whoscored.com.
As for Marcus Rashford, he was arguably United’s player of the season last season, notching 30 goals in 56 games in all competitions. This season, he’s dropped off massively, finishing with just eight goals in 43 games. He’s looked uninterested and this was highlighted with a now infamous trip to Belfast. He was pictured in a Belfast nightclub the night before being required to attend training at United’s Carrington training ground. He consequently missed training due to a reported ‘illness’, however, everyone knew what the case was. He was dropped from the squad for the FA Cup fixture at Newport County and reportedly apologised to the manager following his lack of professionalism. Due to his poor season, he wasn't selected for Gareth Southgate's England squad for this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.
Ten Hag In
The above highlights all of the reasons why Erik Ten Hag struggled last season. The injuries are the biggest aspect hindering Manchester United from playing the way they want and in turn, questioning the manager’s position.
But what are the pros?
Youth development. Two cup successes in two seasons and another year of European football as a result of capturing the FA Cup.
Youth Development
Two players from Manchester United's youth set-up have come through last season and been regulars in the starting lineup. Alejandro Garnacho is one of the first names on the team sheet, whether it be off the left hand side when Rashford doesn't play or off the right hand side when he does, the Argentine always puts in a shift for the team. He's got a bright future ahead of him and at just 19 years old, has become a United favourite for many fans. Last season saw him notch 10 goals and five assists across 50 appearances for the Reds, with notable goals scored against Everton (with that overhead kick), a brace against Aston Villa and a goal in the FA Cup final.
Kobbie Mainoo has been United's breakout star of the season without a doubt. A player who featured for just 10 minutes during the 2022/2023 season has become one of the best, most reliable players on the pitch in Ten Hag's side. Last season, Mainoo made 33 appearances for the Red Devils, becoming a guaranteed starter. After overcoming an ankle injury, he featured in every league game from Christmas. He scored a 97th minute winner against Wolves in the league and the vital goal in the FA Cup final. At just 19 years old, Mainoo is someone that Ten Hag can build his team around in the future and as a result of his impressive performances this season, he's been awarded a place in England's Euros squad.
United's FA Cup run saw them capture the trophy that they desperately missed out on during the 2022/2023 season to rivals Manchester City. The final saw Erik Ten Hag's side outclass their city rivals, preventing Pep Guardiola's team from doing the double. The victory marked the second trophy in as many seasons for Ten Hag, making him the joint most successful manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.
The victory in the FA Cup also secured Europa League football for Manchester United next season, not the European competition that they want to be competing in, however, the financial benefits from being in competition far outweigh the negatives of competing in it.
Keeping Ten Hag is, without question the correct decision for a number of reasons. He played with one arm tied behind his back all season due to a multitude of injuries to top, important players. Despite that, he managed to secure the FA Cup and European football. He's bringing through youth talent, something that United have historically been built on. There's also the fact that the managerial market is poor this summer, with multiple big clubs looking for new coaches. Ineos made the correct decision in keeping the Dutchman, let's hope that their faith pays off.
Comments