Erik ten Hag is out at Manchester United, and for the sixth time in a little over a decade, the grandest soccer club in England is searching for a new head coach.
Ten Hag’s departure was a result of his poor performance, winning just one of his last eight games in all competitions. Manchester United’s slump to 14th place, following an eighth-place finish the previous season, highlighted a concerning trend of subpar results and performances that seemed irreversible in the past two months.
However, beyond Ten Hag’s shortcomings, there is a broader pattern to consider. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, no United manager has lasted three years in the role.
Despite the diverse backgrounds and approaches of the five managers who followed Ferguson, including Ralf Rangnick’s brief tenure, none have succeeded in restoring United’s former glory. The common thread among them is their shared experience at a club that has struggled to maintain its elite status.
Ten Hag, while facing significant challenges during his tenure, achieved relatively better results compared to his predecessors. His dismissal should not solely be attributed to his coaching abilities, as the systemic issues at United have persisted over the years.
The underlying issues at United stem from outdated structures, inadequate leadership, and poor recruitment strategies, resulting in a disjointed squad lacking cohesion.
As United seeks a new manager, the incoming individual will inherit these challenges along with high expectations and organizational instability. The necessary reforms extend beyond coaching and rest in the hands of the club’s ownership, executive team, and sporting directors.
While reforms are reportedly in progress, the appeal of the managerial role at United remains questionable until substantial changes are implemented.
In the interim, former United player and assistant to Ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, will assume managerial duties until a permanent appointment is made.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, United’s path to redemption remains uncertain, mirroring the struggles of previous campaigns.