How Erik ten Hag turned Manchester United around

Football managers are critical in the success of their teams, and a good manager can make a significant impact on the players and strategies. Erik ten Hag is a football manager from the Netherlands who recently made headlines as the new manager of Manchester United. This article explores Erik ten Hag's journey at Manchester United, including how he turned his debut season around with an eight-mile run and the decision to part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Erik ten Hag's Appointment:

In the summer of 2022, Erik ten Hag was appointed as Manchester United's new manager, taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was dismissed after a disappointing season. Manchester United fans were excited about ten Hag's appointment due to his impressive track record as the previous manager of Ajax Amsterdam.

However, ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United started on a rocky note when the club lost its first game to Brentford. Nonetheless, it was what happened after that defeat that marked the turning point of the season. Ten Hag made a bold decision to take the players on an eight-mile run as part of their training to build character and resilience. To take partial responsibility, he had also joined in on the 8-mile run. He had to show that every loss affected everyone. This decision proved pivotal, as the players responded positively to the challenge and began to perform better on the pitch.

Departing with Cristiano Ronaldo:

One of ten Hag's most significant decisions in his debut season was to dispense with the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo had returned to Manchester United amid much fanfare and excitement but had struggled to make an impact on the pitch and had become a divisive figure in the dressing room. Ten Hag made the tough call to let Ronaldo go, which was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a masterstroke, as Manchester United began to play with more freedom and fluidity after Ronaldo's departure.

How These Decisions Impacted the Future:

Ten Hag's decisions to take the players on an eight-mile run and part ways with Ronaldo had a profound impact on Manchester United's season. The players responded positively to the challenges and began to play with more confidence and determination. As a result, Manchester United's performances improved, and they ended up having an insane home-win record with Marcus Rashford being one of the shining stars of Erik ten Hag's new Manchester United.

Conclusion:

Erik ten Hag's first season at Manchester United had its share of ups and downs, but his ability to make tough decisions and motivate his players was evident throughout the season. As Manchester United prepares for the rest of the season, fans are hopeful that Erik ten Hag will build on the current successes of his debut season and take the team to even greater heights.