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Former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves has insisted that Erik ten Hag can save his job if he settles on a consistent starting XI rather than chopping and changing every week.
Ten Hag narrowly kept his place as United boss in the summer, after the club finished in eighth position in the 2023/24 season, their worst-ever finish since 1989/90.
It’s believed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS held talks with potential replacements for the Dutchman but after a lengthy end-of-season review, a decision was made to afford him more time to turn the situation around.
Heading into the September international break, Ten Hag found himself on the wrong end of criticism and scrutiny again, as United limped to two defeats in their opening three top-flight fixtures. However, some pressure was relieved from his shoulders after he masterminded a 3-0 victory over Southampton last weekend.
United followed that up with a 7-0 demolition of League One outfit Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Ten Hag has been offered no guarantees by the hierarchy over his role at the club. It’s understood that only until he demonstrates clear improvement and a sustained playing style will he truly win over support from high-ranking chiefs.
Hargreaves spoke to Football365 and explained, “People have a right to be critical of the way United played over the past couple of seasons.”
“In the end, Erik will tell you they have won a couple of trophies and that is a great point. It hasn’t been the prettiest football at times, but has won trophies and that has kept him in a job. Now United have had a difficult start to the season. The Brighton and Liverpool games were not great, but they have a lot of good players and they have to be given time to come good.”
“You look at all the top teams and you know who is going to play every week, but you don’t know that with United. You don’t know who their centre-back partnership is going to be, who will be out wide, who is up front.”
“Ten Hag needs to settle on who is his best team and he needs to decide on his best team. If he can do that, he will think he has a chance.”
Hargreaves added, “They are in the Europa League this season and that is a competition they can win. We saw how they did in the Champions League last season and that was not great, to be polite. I think they are better off being in a competition they can win this season.”
“It is a long season for a reason and you need to give players and managers time. You can’t decide after three or four games to make big changes.”
The 43-year-old pointed out that there are very few jobs that are as stressful and difficult as football management.
He noted that in addition to handling the players and tactics, managers also have to deal with club owners and agents. He insisted that the secret to being successful is exercising patience, being balanced emotionally and hanging in there when things get tough.
Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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