The predictions are starting ahead of the new Premier League season.
For Manchester United it’s a matter of qualifying for the Champions League, but fans are desperate for trophies and Erik ten Hag needs to bring success back to Old Trafford.
The Independent’s chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, appeared on Off The Ball tonight to examine Ten Hag’s chances of stabilising what they called ‘the Manchester United soap opra’.
Delaney fancies United to get back into the top four and clearly rates Ten Hag as a modern coach of the game.
“I think I’ll have them back in the top four,” Delaney says.
“Ten Hag is an excellent coach and when we talk about the modern principles of football, he subscribes to all of them, and he’s also on an upward curve. That’s basically different to every single Manchester United manager they’ve had since Sir Alex Ferguson.”
🗣 'That squad right now is a miss-match of the ideas of different managers'
@MiguelDelaney examines Erik Ten Hag's chances of stabilising the #MUFC soap opera | 🔴🗣 'I'll have them back in the top four'
Football w/ @SkyIreland pic.twitter.com/SnBY6gyq01
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) July 23, 2022
Footage courtesy of Off The Ball
Delaney raises some questions over Ten Hag’s transfer policy, too, almost suggesting that United are trying to copy Ajax. He looks at how players can struggle with the jump from Eredivisie to a top league like the Premier League.
United were linked with a fresh offer for Ajax attacker Antony after making significant process on a deal for Lisandro Martinez.
He also says the board have backed all previous managers at the start – almost issuing a warning to Ten Hag and fans that the same could follow in the coming years.
It’s worth keeping note of the fact United still haven’t signed Ten Hag’s primary transfer target.
