Manchester United: INEOS has delivered, now it’s Erik’s turn

INEOS has delivered the short-term goals in their Manchester United rebuild, and now the ball is in the court of Erik Ten Hag. Huge responsibilities, yet little margin for error.

As Erik Ten Hag got his third season as the Manchester United boss underway, the expectation is again very high as it was at the start of last season, following the promising end to the Dutchman’s maiden year at the club.

The club has had a lot to complain about over the years, as the different many reasons they continue to fail in their quest to re-establish the standard of years past, when the name Manchester United made fear echoed in mind of opposition teams.

However, after a satisfying summer business that has seen the arrival of notable stars, the margin for error continues to grow slimmer for Erik Ten Hag, if there’s any at all as it is.

INEOS has delivered

Indeed, what INEOS inherited at Manchester United was nothing short of shambolic, but thanks to the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a life-long supporter of the club, he accepted the terms just to help the club he loves so much bring back the glory days.

To wholeheartedly sing glory glory Manchester United, it is a feat farfetched as per the situation of the period. It is understandable that other teams have moved up the ladder, the goal is that the club continues to move upward, too, and at a faster pace.

In recent years, their project has regressed and trusting in Erik Ten Hag to continue might not have been a unanimously approved decision, nevertheless, firing him would have meant two years wasted. The trust INEOS have in him though, has limits, and surely he must be aware that inconsistency will cost him his job.

For the benefit of doubt, the new management has given its utmost support to him in this summer’s transfer window. Excluding possible add-ons, around £170 million has been spent on Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and imminently, Manuel Ugarte.

These are signings that easily go into the starting XI, serve as strong competitors or back-up to current option, in the situation of Leny Yoro, who had picked up an injury during the pre-season, that ruled him out of the start of the season, unfortunately.

As the deadline day beckons, there is no pressure on the management to bring in any new signings, because they have mended their loops with the signings made already in the window, many who have also come in early before the opening game of the season.

Quality signings befitting of the statue of Manchester United and for fees that wouldn’t upset their rebuild process. Both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrived from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for combined guaranteed fee of €60 million. The best deal anyone can get.

They beat off Real Madrid in the race to sign Leny Yoro, eventually paying a guarantee fee of €62 million to Lille. Although it could be said that Manchester United has slightly overpaid here but considering they were up against Los Blancos, and the possible resale value of the 18-year-old, it is not that much of a fee.

Joshua Zirkzee, who announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful in sensational form, when he came on as a substitute to score a late winner in their Premier League curtain raiser meeting with Fulham, cost €42.5 million from Bologna.

The Dutch striker, 23, scored twelve goals and added six assists in 37 games for the Italian club last season, helping them seal UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

And finally so far, Manuel Ugarte, a tough character that the club lacked in midfield due to the diminishing capability of their Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro, who failed to build on an impressive first season in England. Looking back to last season, Casemiro’s regression coincided with United’s and Ugarte’s arrival can help put that worry to bed.

Albeit the amount of incomings has not been much, it has been healthy. Needed players, and those that can contribute and compete have been brought in. Should the club make more signings before the end of the window, it is bonus, like dessert after meal.

To ice the cage, Erik Ten Hag coaching staff has also wear a new look, with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy turning down a chance to manage an Eredivisie club to rejoining Manchester United as an assistant to his countryman. Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Andreas Georgson have also arrived at the club to work with the former Ajax boss.

Manchester United fans must at this time be grateful for the summer they’ve had. INEOS has delivered, and now it’s Erik Ten Hag’s turn.

Ball’s in court: Your move, Erik Ten Hag

Erik Ten Hag has the blueprint to succeed at Manchester United, although, it depends how the success is quantified because challenging Manchester City for the league title will take more than they have at the moment.

Nevertheless, there will be no room for slip ups. The defeat in the America Express Stadium of Brighton last weekend has not gone down well with the fans, and with Liverpool coming to Old Trafford this weekend, positive response will be demanded from Ten Hag and his minions.

After three summers, with almost 20 players signed, either on loan or in permanent deals, the squad has been shaped in his image, and there will be consequences for shortcomings. Arne Slot is making quite an impression at the start of his time at Liverpool and only a win against his countryman will save Erik Ten Hag from a potential backlash, as Slot is very much new in English football, and dominating United will not be acceptable by the fans.

Liverpool thrashed United 3-0 in their pre-season friendly earlier in the month but in the face of real competition, the Red Devils have to man up and defend their castle against the encroaching wave.

This season is decisive for Erik Ten Hag, and the early weeks are vital. The owners have fulfilled their end of the bargain and he will have no respite should he fail to lead the club to a desired destination.

The pressure is immense, but at Manchester United, that comes with the territory. INEOS has delivered, and the ball is in the court of Erik Ten Hag. It’s time to step up, or step down.

Hassan Afolabi