A number of media outlets suggest Manchester United are considering managerial candidates to potentially replace Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman will be in charge for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
Ten Hag must oversee an upturn in results after a terrible start to the season, with United losing eight of their first 15 games this season.
United’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday came as the latest blow, and we’re being led to believe that some players aren’t impressed by Ten Hag’s methods.
Without further ado, here are three reasons why I think United would be silly to sack Ten Hag:
Leopards don’t change their spots
I don’t see enough leaders when I look at the current United squad. There’s still a group of players more than happy to point the finger at the manager for our shortcomings, and that is why we are seeing leaks resurface from the dressing room. It’s counter-productive when young players need examples around the club, and they’ve not got that at Old Trafford. Roy Keane summed it up brilliantly in 2019 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho as manager (via Sky Sports): “These are the same players that threw Mourinho under the bus and they will do exactly the same to Ole. Leopards don’t change their spots. There are too many bluffers at this club to get United back to the very top.” We will see in the coming weeks whether any of these players want to take responsibity because the only way they can support Ten Hag is by winning football matches.” I, for one, want to see the club stand by Ten Hag and give a middle finger to player power. Whoever throws their toys out of the pram – ala Jadon Sancho – should be shown the door.
Injuries causing havoc
United’s injury crisis worsened against Newcastle during the week when Casemiro picked up another knock. The Brazilian managed just 45 minutes and did not reappear for the second half after being replaced by Sofyan Amrabat. Meanwhile, an internal investigation is being carried out to find the reason why the squad has been plagued by injuries this season. Ten Hag has had to deal with having no fewer than 16 players injured or unavailable, which has left our defence completely depleted. The biggest losses, however, are Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw. This factor shouldn’t be downplayed.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Firstly, it’s important to note how Ten Hag is trying to turn things around while the Glazers own the football club. He overachieved in his first season and earned credits for that, especially delivering our first piece of silverware in six years. That is why I find it baffling that people want to turn their back on the manager once there’s hardship. The Dutchman arrived at a club without a proper technical structure or long-term recruitment strategy. This is something that needs to be implemented by the right people, in support of the manager, like he had at Ajax. Otherwise United will keep sacking managers and expecting miracles. Rinse and repeat.
Stand by the manager.
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