Erik ten Hag deserves respect, and the chance to prove himself at Man United

After his FA cup triumph, ten Hag’s contract extension is justified (Picture: Getty)

So, Man United have chosen to stick with ten Hag. 

The news that the Dutchman would remain at Old Trafford after he delivered back-to-back silverware following a barren six-year trophyless spell, was welcomed by many fans, myself included. 

Less than a month on from his surprise FA Cup triumph, I say Erik ten Hag deserves some respect on his name.

And I think even the naysayers will be glad to see some form of closure to the protracted saga of speculation over his future.

It was wrong that when the dust had barely settled on that Wembley win over Man City, ten Hag was subjected to post-match questions on whether he’d keep his job, and I’m sure he will be as glad as anyone that he can finally put these questions to bed, for the time being at least.

I’m not going to wax lyrical about what’s generally been a disappointing season for United. 

If anything, it’s telling how standards have slipped that I’m defending a manager who has led United to an eighth place finish in the league, the lowest in the club’s history during the Premier League era – but I’m going to do it anyway.

The stats don’t make for pretty reading. 

At times this season our patience has been tested (Picture: Getty)

United lost 14 times in the league this season, the most since 1990, and with his league position, ten Hag has the unwanted comparison to David Moyes, given his marching orders after leading the club to a 7th place finish.

But football isn’t purely about statistics and while there were undeniable lows for the Red Devils, there were still plenty of highs and more than enough reasons to be optimistic about the future. 

Throughout the season, I was ten Hag IN. I know some fans lost their patience when results started to falter and at one point even I thought this campaign could be a write-off. 

Despite the chatter on social media, in my experience the majority of match-going fans remained loyal to ten Hag and that he had earned enough credit in the bank from a brilliant first season to warrant some patience.

But at times this year that patience has been tested.

The injury crises have been heavily reported on and while some may see it as an excuse, it’s undeniably been a contributing factor to the team’s inconsistent form.

Reportedly United racked up over 60 separate absences due to injury this season, can any other team in the league match that number? 

Some will say ten Hag is to blame and argue that an over-reliance on certain players is bound to risk injuries. Luke Shaw himself has waded into this debate, claiming that the hamstring issue that has ruled him out since February was ‘avoidable’.

But let’s be honest, who could ten Hag have picked instead of Shaw? 

If anything it’s the perfect example of why the manager should not be blamed – a squad that predecessor Ralf Ragnick claimed needed ‘open heart surgery’ was still clearly not in ideal shape for ten Hag. 

I’d hedge a bet that ten Hag wasn’t too happy with this squad planning above him at director level – all of whom have subsequently been replaced by new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.

The Dutchman ended Man United’s long trophy drought (Picture: Getty)

As ten Hag himself has tried to remind people, he has only had his full-strength first XI available to him only a handful of times over two seasons.

And he’s right – I believe if ten Hag has the tools at his disposal, then he can create something beautiful.

Trying to build a team without your best players available is like trying to cook a meal when you’re missing the spices to season it – most of the time it won’t taste great.

But it might just about be edible, and that’s what ten Hag has delivered this season. 

Pragmatic and measured football that resulted in something tangible and satisfying  – another trophy.

I knew some fans who had tickets and were seriously considering not going to the FA Cup final, such was the dire level of expectations, but with the trophy now in the bag, it looks like even on-the-fence fans are back on his side. 

Another important reason why the manager remained popular with the United faithful is that it’s a proud part of the team’s DNA that they play (and win) with kids and I’d argue that ten Hag has been the best developer of teenage talent in the Premier League.

The former Ajax boss deserves a lot of credit for the breakthrough seasons of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – something that Ratcliffe reportedly factored into their decision.

So all in all, I’m delighted that the club have decided to keep the man and truly believe that with a fully fit squad, supplemented with some summer signings, we will see ten Hag’s team cooking next season.

And to any naysayers still unsure – here’s one final fact that I love to remind my Arsenal supporting friends of – ten Hag has now delivered more trophies than Mikel Arteta.

So put some respect on his name. 

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

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