Ten Hag Sees Red

After months of confusion, the managerial saga currently at Manchester United might finally be over, with rumours currently circulating about the potential appointment of Erik Ten Hag.

This is the news that the majority of United fans have been waiting patiently for after experiencing embarrassment beyond belief this season, certainly for their usual standards anyway.

The latest rumours have caused bookmakers to start slicing their odds. After looking at the BoyleSports odds, we are seeing Ten Hag looking like a firm favourite to take over one of the biggest clubs in the world. 

Where have the rumours come from?

Despite there being daily nonsense being created by reporters and editors around the world who are just trying to get a few clicks for clickbait, it seems this time there may actually be a credible source for these rumours.

Daily Mail reporter, Sami Mokbel, is the man who has provided social media with fresh information regarding the potential appointment of Ten Hag at the end of the season. Here is his evidence:

Ten Hag has been heavily linked with Manchester United for some time now, but things have taken a positive step after it is believed Ten Hag is currently undergoing English lessons in order to learn the language, suggesting he would like to move to England to manage a top team, like Manchester United. Ten Hag could already speak some of the language, but that isn’t enough for him, he is looking to become a fluent speaker of the English language.

Further rumours are suggesting that the dutchman has his heart set on Manchester United. This is music to the ears of the club and fans. The current interim manager, Ralph Rangnick is also believed to have approved the possibility of his arrival and encourages United to act fast and appoint Erik.

Ralph Rangnick will be moving to a consultancy role within the club at the end of the season, where he will still work closely with the next manager of Manchester United, so it is massively important for him to approve whoever is next to take over.

Poch Off?

Prior to these new reports, the firm favourite to take over at the theatre of dreams was current PSG manager, Mauricio Pochettino. For years now his name has circulated the club but has always just been speculation. That was until the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Poch was reported to move to United only a few months back and it seemed on the cards, until PSG came out and said that the Argentinian was going nowhere.

Since then, the PSG manager has always seemed the most likely appointment, with players also apparently being onside with the appointment and wanting Poch as the preferred choice. But these latest reports could suggest that this is no longer the case.

For most United fans, Ten Hag is the preferred choice with his incredible record at Ajax, not only this season but in previous seasons too. His stats are far better than Poch and in terms of players and budget, he only has a fraction of what Pochettino has to work with. 

The only potential issues the fans and club may have is whether or not Erik Ten Hag has what it takes to manage the many millions that Manchester United have at their disposal, as well as the huge egos in the dressing room, which previous managers have struggled to deal with, leading to their sackings. 

There is no denial that a rebuild is necessary at United and they no longer can compare themselves to the Sir Alex Ferguson days as they are far gone. Proper structure and a rebuild is needed to build a “new” Manchester United, that fits into the modern era of football and can compete with their rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Only time will tell and United should first prioritise their battle for fourth place in the Premier League, which they are competing against Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham. As it tightens up between 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, it’s going to be a photo finish with no indication as of yet as to who is going to claim that last Champions League spot.