Erik ten Hag’s United: A Tenure Defined by Contradictions

To manage Manchester United is to live with constant contradictions and relentless scrutiny. Few know this better than Erik ten Hag, who departs Old Trafford with a Carabao Cup and FA Cup to his name but a mixed legacy. His tenure reflects the nearly impossible challenge of leading England’s most decorated club in the post-Ferguson era.

Ten Hag’s time at United highlights both the weight of history and the changing expectations at a club that has struggled to define success since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013. As the fifth permanent manager in a decade, Ten Hag leaves with a reasonable claim to success by recent standards, winning trophies in his first two seasons—an achievement that eluded many of his predecessors. Yet, by Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby’s standards, his achievements may feel incomplete.

Living Up to Legendary Standards

With 20 league titles, Manchester United are England’s most successful club in top-flight history. But that legacy was built almost entirely under Ferguson and Busby, who accounted for 18 of those titles and 33 of United’s 44 major trophies. Since Ferguson’s departure, the club has grappled with the reality that success is fleeting, and the managerial position feels more daunting than ever.