Manager of the month Ten Hag is deluded or bluffing
Robin Bairner
- 8 Dec 2023 14:54 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag picked up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for November, yet as the January transfer window spins ever nearer, the Dutchman’s job security appears as slight as ever.
While wins over Fulham, Luton and Everton might have satisfied the panel that Ten Hag was the pick of the Premier League bosses last month, fans are bitterly divided.
Some supporters believe this difficult start to the season is a natural state for a club that remains in long-term transition, others point to the money the manager has squandered and the precarious situation of the club in both the Premier League and the Champions League as evidence that change has to come sooner or later.
But change is not likely to come in the playing staff during January, Ten Hag says.
We go to the next summer window and there will be new players coming in
- Erik ten Hag (The United Stand)Speaking to The United Stand, the former Ajax boss indicated that he has little intention of altering his staff in the forthcoming transfer period.
“We have to develop and progress this team. In reality, we go to the next summer window and there will be new players coming in,” he said.
Even the most ardent Ten Hag supporter would question the resigned acceptance of the status quo. United’s squad is clearly lacking in several areas, so even if it is expensive, strengthening the side would be no bad idea, particularly as it may make all the difference between reaching the Champions League next term and not.
Man Utd still in takeover statis
The Red Devils may be sixth in the Premier League, but there is little doubt the team needs to be strengthened, so is Ten Hag deluded or bluffing when he says January signings are unlikely?
The truth is a third option is likeliest: Man Utd find themselves in an ongoing state of limbo as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover rumbles on.
The billionaire is set to take command of the sporting side of the club when he completes his 25% takeover, but this looks increasingly unlikely to be done before the end of January. United have not even announced the deal yet, and it is expected to take six to eight weeks thereafter for it to be entirely formalised.
Ten Hag, therefore, cannot be allowed to sign players in January who may not fit with the model that Ratcliffe wants to impose when he conducts what will no doubt be sweeping backroom changes.
Instead, the Dutchman has his hands tied, much as was the case last January, when the unspectacular additions of Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer on loan were the only players he could sign.
It even looks doubtful that Ten Hag, Manager of the Month award and all, will be around much beyond the end of the season.
Man Utd may not spend in January because they are deluded into believing this squad is good enough or because of market conditions, but because they do not know exactly which direction they will turn next.
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