It was worth noting how Erik ten Hag’s techniques were not instantly adopted by all of his players as the green and gold confetti dropped over Manchester United’s first trophy procession since 2017 (colours of sponsor Carabao, we are informed, not a sign of fan dissent). Most people praised his meticulous approach, although some at first questioned whether it may become too harsh as the weeks and months went on.
It was not a guarantee that United’s players would accept their strict rules policy despite the fact that Ten Hag and Mitchell van der Gaag, who have been dubbed “the real master of detail” for United training sessions, are both direct in their instructions.
Challenges that each person faces and United’s strict rules policy
The team was brought in for a running session on their day off, Marcus Rashford was benched for being late, Jadon Sancho was sent to the Netherlands for additional training, Alejandro Garnacho’s early dissatisfaction with the team was made public, and the team’s performances against Brentford and Manchester City were pointedly criticised — these were not moves made to win friends. They put individuals at danger of alienation.
Ten Hag commented on United’s improvements after the team defeated Barcelona: “You need a plan to create that but you also need outcomes to gain that great belief in. This is a further step since defeating Barcelona, one of the top teams in Europe, would strengthen your resolve and enable you to defeat anyone.”
But on evenings like Thursday, having a trophy adds a crucial element. Ten Hag elaborated on this idea after his club defeated Newcastle 2-0 at Wembley. That tendency towards discipline is back. But success requires adherence to the most stringent of laws. In 2019, Ten Hag presented Ajax with its first trophy in five years, and success soon followed. United players can be persuaded that he is competent by looking at his track record and the Carabao Cup.
Back to the grind it goes. Ten Hag appears unable to let a humorous moment pass without pointing out how it came to be funny in the first place. It would seem to be the attitude of a winning streak.
Intervention and discipline for Jadon Sancho
Ten Hag handled the 22-year-old (Jadon Sancho) with care, but there was also a component of punishment. Sancho had trouble keeping track of time, which had an influence on how much he trained and, ultimately, how fit he was.
On November 3, Ten Hag released him from United’s roster and placed him in the Netherlands on a special programme. He didn’t come back until February 1. Sancho is a regular starter for United and one of the higher-paid players there, but Ten Hag thought a major intervention was necessary.
Players are now free to challenge one another as Ten Hag has established the basics and taken strong action in response to any violations. At Wembley, Casemiro criticised Bruno Fernandes for failing to pass the ball to either Scott McTominay or Sancho when they were through on goal in a crucial moment of the game.
The ability of players to challenge one another
Remember Martinez? He was a player who was kicked off of the United team after winning the World Cup. On December 28, he spent one day drinking in Buenos Aires before flying right back to Manchester, where he was eager to play Wolves and Bournemouth. Although he had a “history” with Ten Hag, he was not treated differently. The following game was against Charlton, but he was again on the bench when Manchester City came to town on January 14.
Ten Hag’s ability to make these types of choices is a result of both his personality and John Murtough’s unwavering support for his ideas. Ten Hag wanted Ronaldo gone after his conversation with Piers Morgan, and Murtough fully agreed. The fact that the players recognise Ten Hag has power and has been with the club for a long time, unlike Ralf Rangnick, helps him maintain control.
It helps to have Champions League champions Casemiro and Raphael Varane enjoying a League Cup like little kids.
They take delight in other, less showy things they do on the pitch. At the conclusion of the first half, Casemiro directed the ball out for a goal kick from Bruno Guimaraes, and Varane, Martinez, and Diogo Dalot encircled him in an instant of recognition. Additionally, Varane gave Martinez a fist pump after the latter stopped Joelinton’s goal-bound attempt in the second half.
Defenders’ emotional banding together has been a recurring motif of the season; it is a sign that Ten Hag has emphasised work ethic as a distinguishing trait of his group.
United outmuscled Newcastle in an attritional encounter. Ten Hag recognises the irony in David de Gea being flagged for tardiness, but the Spaniard’s achievement of 181 clean sheets and beating Peter Schmeichel’s United record were of higher importance.
Wembley resembled Stockholm in 2017, the location of United’s Europa League victory when Mourinho’s team defeated Ajax by a score of 2-0. That summer, manager Peter Bosz departed for Borussia Dortmund, and reserve coach Marcel Keizer took over. Keizer’s tenure lasted less than half a year until Ten Hag took over.
Decision-Making Power of Ten Hag and John Murtough’s Assistance
Ten Hag was able to manage both ups and downs throughout that period at Ajax. He lost Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt from his first successful Ajax squad, but instead of lamenting their departure, he built a new team that triumphed in the Champions League the previous year. Although he wanted to see new things, he acted properly, and Edwin van der Sar, the CEO of Ajax, is still in contact with him.
He has persisted in Manchester, aware of the restrictions imposed on him even at a club with far more resources. Murtough and the company’s CEO, Richard Arnold, informed him that only loans were feasible in January due to the market’s recent strong performance. Ten Hag has been advised that he must in fact sell this summer in order to buy next year according to financial fair play rules.
Erik ten Hag is reportedly planning army-style drills for Man United’s stars in pre-season 🫡
— 433 (@433) June 25, 2023
Instead of whining, he came up with a solution, orchestrating the substitution of Wout Wegorst, who has started each of United’s 12 games since making his debut against Crystal Palace. Even though Weghorst has only had one goal, he still contributes to the squad, and now that he has won his first professional trophy, he will be even more committed to Ten Hag’s responsibilities. Another wise temporary acquisition was Marcel Sabitzer, who had a significant influence off the bench at Wembley.
Supporters will be hopeful that by the time trading resumes in June with new owners in place, the situation has changed. Avram Glazer’s presence at Wembley, however, adds mystery to the tale and serves as yet more indication that he and brother Joel are hesitant to sell.
Ten Hag’s Commitment and Ownership Choices
When Glazer’s face showed on the big screen, the audience booed him. Ten Hag made sure to shake the co-owner’s hand and said: “He was extremely thrilled for the club, as our owner. They sung anti-Glazer chants and hoisted multiple green and gold banners demanding the family quit United. He wished to participate in it. He was inside the changing area. Being present was beneficial. He made his intentions clear.
Ten Hag is walking a fine line, whether it’s a bargaining strategy for bigger offers from Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. “I’m not sure; I’m not a part of that process, but by the way he’s acting here, you can tell he’s dedicated. What he wants is not what I desire. I have to be the team’s leader. Ownership choices are made with input from other club members.”
Ten Hag is also treating Sir Alex Ferguson with the appropriate level of respect. In order to share the experience, he brought the previous United boss inside the dressing room.
But Ten Hag isn’t so submissive as to diminish his own standing. The way he controls the dialogue surrounding this item of cutlery makes it clear what it represents. He is aware that while it may not be the final destination, it may serve as a helpful compass for United’s fans and players.
