Year 2
The second year was when ten Hag’s tenure began to unravel.
A significant injury crisis, particularly in the backline, forced him to change the defensive lineup almost weekly.
Key players like Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez faced spells on the sidelines, leaving the manager with limited options and prompting a makeshift back four that struggled to find cohesion.
This instability coincided with his attempts to implement a more advanced tactical system, favoring a single pivot over the traditional double pivot.
Consequently, United faced an alarming number of shots against them, highlighting vulnerabilities in both defense and midfield.
The summer signings of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund did not make the desired impact.
Mount, expected to energize the midfield, struggled to find his form and spent significant time injured.
Onana, brought in as a modern goalkeeper capable of playing out from the back, faced mixed performances that raised concerns among fans.
Hojlund, a highly-touted striker from Atalanta, carried immense pressure to deliver goals early in his career.
Despite these struggles and finishing 8th, ten Hag’s team managed to pull off a surprise victory against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, winning 2-1 and securing his second trophy in as many years.
This unexpected triumph kept ten Hag in his position, even as whispers of a potential sacking grew louder.
The win provided a temporary reprieve, but questions remained about the manager’s ability to steer the club back to the top.
Just as ten Hag was on the verge of losing his job, the cup victory served as a reminder of his potential to lead the team successfully.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
