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MU host Fulham in the opening match of the 2024-2025 Premier League, starting a stormy journey for Erik ten Hag.
Dynamic human resources
Erik ten Hag had a happy summer, when MU extended his contract and provided a series of important contracts to build the squad.
Some of the targets that coach Ten Hag has longed for since arriving at Old Trafford have been approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Previously, managers and sporting departments at Carrington have always been ineffective in the transfer market, but with new sporting director Dan Ashworth, things are different.
Dan Ashworth brought in Leny Yoro, one of the most highly rated teenage centre-backs in the game. United got the young French talent after beating rivals Real Madrid.
When Ten Hag needed a striker, he targeted his compatriot Joshua Zirkzee. Immediately, during EURO 2024, Dan Ashworth completed the deal despite competition from Milan.
Most recently, MU welcomed two of Ten Hag's former favorite students at Ajax: center-back Matthijs de Ligt and right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Both were at the top of Ten Hag's priority list as soon as he signed for the most successful club in English football, in April 2022.
However, the old MU officials did not work effectively, so De Ligt and Mazraoui both joined Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window of the same year.
MU spent 164.5 million euros (about 140 million pounds) on these 4 new faces. This is the highlight of Dan Ashworth, compared to the "Red Devils" always buying players at too high prices in recent years.
Not only new players, Ten Hag also has maximum support from the club by bringing Ruud van Nistelrooy back to Carrington as assistant.
Pressure on Ten Hag
At the end of the 2023-24 season, MU is divided in two when deciding on Ten Hag's future. Some want to part ways, while others believe the Dutch coach deserves a new opportunity.
After a number of unsuccessful negotiations with candidates, Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to extend the contract of the 54-year-old captain, who helped MU end 6 years without a title.
Ten Hag was tasked with building a completely new project, not only in terms of football or the sporting aspect in general, but also in terms of the club's image.
Sir Ratcliffe's stated goal is to further develop the Manchester United brand. To achieve this, he requires winning on the pitch.
This also means that the pressure on Ten Hag is huge. Sir Ratcliffe and the "Red Devils" fans are waiting for a good image of the home team, after the 2023-24 season did not show a clear playing style.
Ten Hag must implement the most suitable style of play for MU. At the same time, he needs to improve the attack as well as the defense.
The 2023-24 Premier League season was a real disaster for MU. The Old Trafford team set a sad record for the number of losses (14) and the number of goals conceded (58).
Finishing the season in 8th place is the lowest position in MU's history, in the Premier League era. Therefore, it is understandable how happy Ten Hag is to welcome his two favorite students De Ligt and Mazraoui.
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui are good at defending. In addition, they also stand out in their ability to develop the ball from the back. This is an important factor for Ten Hag to build tactics, ensuring the ability to recover the ball and escape pressing.
Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund missed the start of the season. This is a big loss for MU, but it is no excuse if the results are not positive.
A stormy journey awaits Captain Ten Hag and his crew.
University (according to Vietnamnet)