In the wake of last season’s close, Erik ten Hag, the Dutch manager of Manchester United, delivered a poignant message to his squad.
The Athletic reports that following their FA Cup loss to Manchester City, Erik ten Hag openly acknowledged his team’s defeat at the hands of a remarkable adversary that has achieved the pinnacle he aspires to reach.
The significance of his words extended to the summer meeting with the club. Just before the commencement of the summer break, he addressed his squad, articulating, “Go and have a good holiday but then come back and we’ve got to f**king work.”
Now poised to embark on his second season at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag benefited from robust backing from the club’s board during the summer. An impressive $210 Million investment materialized, enabling the acquisition of pivotal players like Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana.
Ten Hag’s tricky reds are back in Premier League action 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7pFe1drEyf
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) August 14, 2023
However, challenges abound as Erik ten Hag aims to elevate his team’s performance from last season’s third-place finish in the Premier League. Notably, stiff competition looms from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, each vying for a coveted spot within the top four.
Arsenal and Manchester City have all made significant enhancements, with Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola guiding their respective teams towards long-term success.
The curtain rises on Manchester United’s season with a home match against Wolves at Old Trafford. This initial clash presents a platform for the team to demonstrate their mettle before their dedicated supporters.
Erik ten Hag combined spending till now
On July 1, 2022, Erik ten Hag took the helm as the Dutch manager at Manchester United. Prior to this, he had steered Ajax through a productive four and a half years, overseeing the team in 215 matches and securing three Dutch titles.
The anticipation surrounding Erik ten Hag’s arrival was considerable. United’s fans held high hopes that the new manager would be provided with the necessary funds to bolster the team’s competitiveness. The aspiration was clear: to bring in quality players through signings, a departure from the experiences with prior managers.
As the seasons have unfolded, Erik ten Hag has been at the helm for three transfer windows. During this period, the club has invested a substantial sum, approximately $476 Million, in enhancing the squad’s capabilities.
Eight key players have been welcomed to the team due to these expenditures: Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana.
🚨🚨🌕| NEW: During the week, Ten Hag’s staff are expected to be at work at Carrington by 8am. Mitchell van der Gaag, his assistant, is often in the building earlier than that and 11-hour days are nothing out of the ordinary. After a game, Ten Hag will often watch it back right… pic.twitter.com/3RwIrdxiRJ
— centredevils. (@centredevils) August 14, 2023
The combination of quality and quantity in these signings reflects solid backing from the English club’s board. Additionally, shrewd loan acquisitions and free transfers, including Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer, and Johnny Evans, have further enriched the team.
Even when facing off-field tensions, like the clash with the legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo, the board supported Erik ten Hag. This backing remained steadfast even as Ronaldo departed for the Saudi Pro League from United.
Now, the spotlight turns to Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach shoulders the responsibility of translating these investments and support into tangible results on the field. The stage is set for his managerial prowess to shine and bring about the desired outcomes.
