Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defiantly expressed that he is not Harry Potter but the former Ajax boss may have to produce instant magic to turn results around and save his job.
Since the part-takeover of Ineos was completed, it seemed that Ten Hag was on a trial to impress his new bosses for the remainder of the season.
After a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace in May, serious pressure started to mount on the Dutch coach.
Reports started to emerge that Ten Hag would lose his job regardless of the FA Cup final result against Manchester City.
After an impressive performance and goals from the youthful Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, the Dutchman would thankfully walk up the Wembley stairs to lift his second trophy in England.
With a proud wave and fist pump to the travelling United fans, many expected it to be a goodbye for the Red Devils boss.
Ineos insisted that no decision had been made and that a season review would be conducted before any final decision was announced.
Ten Hag still had huge support from the Manchester United faithful with the belief that a proper football structure behind him would help him progress the club.
It is without doubt that Sir Jim Ratcliffe held talks with different managers including former Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.
Eventually, two weeks after the FA Cup success, Ineos interrupted Ten Hag’s holiday to agree on a contract extension.
Shortly after it was announced that United believe the former Ajax man is the right fit going forward for their project at Old Trafford.
‘I’m not Harry Potter’ – Ten Hag’s response will not cut it anymore
It has been a disappointing start to the new season with Ten Hag’s United only picking up three points out of an available nine.
Performances have not been in the style that the new football structure wants and defensive errors that plagued the Red Devils last campaign are still appearing.
After the latest 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford last Sunday, the Manchester United boss defended himself by stating that he is not ‘Harry Potter’.
Ten Hag’s defiance that he can only do so much did not go down well with fans and will probably be disliked in the boardroom.
There is an acceptance that the 54-year-old coach will need time to embed his new signings.
However, many of the XI that started against Liverpool have either been signed during his tenure or have been brought through the academy.
Ratcliffe, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox will be desperately wanting Ten Hag to show an improved structure in the coming weeks.
The Red Devils will have to improve their form if they want to avoid a similar placed finish to the last campaign.
The manager’s success with trophies in England does help his case that he needs more time.
However, if poor results in the league continue, the pressure on the Manchester United boss will only increase.
