Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. PA Images/Alamy Images

Manchester derby loss shouldn't seal Erik ten Hag's fate

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/3/24

Manchester United are a work in progress and the development under Erik ten Hag has been slower than most had hoped. At times, the team has looked like it's on the right track.

At others, it's reasonable to question whether ten Hag is the right man for the job.

Following United's 3-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday, ten Hag will come under intense pressure. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority owner has already raised question marks over the manager's future. Losses like this, to the club's most fierce rival, will do little to squash those rumblings.

"It's set to be a huge summer for the managerial merry-go-round, and any coaches looking for work will be keeping a close eye on their phones," Tom Maston and Richard Martin wrote for Goal.com "The news that Jurgen Klopp, Xavi Hernandez and Thomas Tuchel are all stepping down at the end of the season means that three massive jobs will be available, at Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Now make that four, because after this latest debacle, there is no way that Erik ten Hag will remain at United beyond May."

Defeat in M11. #MUFC || #MCIMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 3, 2024

United's success under Alex Ferguson didn't happen overnight. Managers need time to get their system right. A quick glance over to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta is proof that sticking with a manager through the tough times can pay dividends.

ten Hag was incredibly successful during his time with Ajax and had a hand in developing some elite talent that is now littered throughout Europe's top leagues.

We've seen signs of that player development in Manchester, too. The rise of Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford as a youthful and dynamic front three should be encouraging for the Old Trafford fanbase. The attacking unit gives ten Hag something to build on over the summer.

When a new ownership group comes in, it's always enticing to replace the manager. However, United's issues stem from its unwillingness to see a project through. Every time a new face is brought in, a new system is implemented and the progress resets to zero.

ten Hag deserves more time. His record speaks for itself, and a tough season littered with injuries shouldn't change that. Otherwise, it could be more of the same struggles for United while ten Hag will likely find success with a more patient club elsewhere in Europe.

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