Football managers live and die by results, and speculation over the future of Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag continues. The great underachievers this season were excellent in winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley – helped by having an almost full squad available. But, for a club of the Red Devils’ size, one domestic trophy in a campaign will often not be deemed enough.
Top 5 Changes Manchester United Boss Erik ten Hag Must Make
Ship Out The Underachievers
Ten Hag has now won a domestic cup in his first two seasons in English football – the League Cup in 2022/23 and, this term, the FA Cup. He also proved in the FA Cup final at Wembley that he is clever tactically. But, the United board will need to see notable progress next time in the Premier League for the Dutchman to keep his job.
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Finishing eighth in the last campaign amounts to a mediocre finish for United – and that’s being generous. There are certain to be changes in personnel this summer. This is required because of so many players underachieving over a long period of time.
Manchester United Boss Must Tackle Injury Issues
The manager said many times throughout the past year that injuries had hindered progress. For him to succeed, he needs kinder luck on the injury front. Ten Hag also has the dilemma of whether or not to move on some talented senior players. Not because they have underachieved, but because they have become increasingly injury-prone.
Continue To Nurture United’s Raft Of Young Talent
One of the Dutch coach’s strengths is his ability to get the best out of young players. This is evident in the emergence of youngsters Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo.
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There seems also to be a production line of gifted prospects coming through. The Red Devils won the U18 Premier League in 2023/24. One of the stand-out results being a startling 9-1 win away to Liverpool. Expect Ten Hag to add more youngsters to the United first-team squad next season.
Get The Best Out Of Rashford
Manchester United boss Ten Hag also needs to try and get the best out of Marcus Rashford. Rashford’s dip in form last season was alarming. So much so, that he now finds himself out of Gareth Southgate’s England Euro 2024 squad.
At his best, the attacker is certainly one of the best forwards in the Premier League. Consequently, he may be deemed too much of a prized asset to let go just yet. If the mercurial forward starts firing again, then it’ll almost feel like a new signing for United.
Learn From Recent Failings In Europe
At least United’s FA Cup win guarantees Europa League football. If Ten Hag has learned lessons from recent disappointing performances in Europe, then United could do well next season. The Europa League is also a competition that they will be among the favourites to win.
After defeating a Manchester City side that hadn’t lost in 35 matches in all competitions the Red Devils should start next season with a spring in their step. They won’t be facing anyone quite as formidable as City in Europe in 2024/25, and it will be a valuable learning experience for some of their younger players.
