Manchester United’s decision to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract in July 2024 is now regarded internally as a fundamental mistake that led to two and a half years of upheaval, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Ten Hag was dismissed only 116 days later, creating what insiders described as a “domino effect”. They believe Manchester United would probably not now be searching for another manager months into the 2024-25 season had he left after winning the FA Cup. Thomas Tuchel or Roberto De Zerbi could instead have been appointed, while the subsequent eras of Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick might never have happened.
Carrick was dismissed this week, with Mauricio Pochettino set to become Manchester United’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 13 years ago. Pochettino will take charge of a side in the relegation zone as supporters continue to challenge the ownership and question the competence of the club’s administrators.
Some fans will welcome what appears to be an acknowledgement of serious errors, including the treatment of Carrick, a club legend who has always conducted himself with dignity. He was left unaware while Manchester United explored a move for Pochettino, with football director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada instructed to travel to Monaco to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Others believe the number of mistakes made has made managerial change unavoidable. Berrada and Wilcox retain Ratcliffe’s support as they attempt to revive the club, although those in charge face difficulty convincing supporters that the internal situation is less chaotic than it appears.
The managerial sequence has been Ten Hag, Amorim 14 months later, and then Carrick 10 months after that. Manchester United finished eighth, then 15th, third last season and are now 18th, one point above safety.
The club believes pressure, scrutiny and the scale of the noise around Manchester United contributed to underperformance under all three managers. Executives also accept they underestimated the need for a manager with the experience, personality and resilience to cope with those demands, alongside the tactical ability to build a successful team.
Ten Hag won the League Cup and FA Cup but was viewed as too authoritarian, oversaw several poor signings and had a side that was too open. Amorim was considered too inexperienced and emotional. Carrick was seen as the calmest under pressure, gave players greater freedom after Amorim and guided the club back into the Champions League last season. However, concerns about an absence of structure became increasingly obvious in the attacking and defensive chaos that followed a run of poor results.
The counterargument is that better recruitment would have eased the problems regardless of who was in charge. Carrick received limited support after a disappointing summer transfer window, when financial restrictions prevented Manchester United from pursuing key targets fully. The defence appeared particularly vulnerable, while important injuries also affected the team.
Manchester United’s hierarchy still believes the squad is considerably stronger than its performances and results indicate. It also feels a revival similar to Carrick’s improvement from January last season could yet secure European qualification under Pochettino.
Pochettino’s relationship with Ratcliffe, Berrada and Wilcox remains to be established. The club insists communication is direct and that unity remains among its leadership, including Ratcliffe and co-owners the Glazer family. Wilcox continues to face intense abuse, but the exposure attached to his role is accepted as unparalleled in English football.
Those who know Berrada say he retains the energy, determination and conviction to lead Manchester United forward. Progress on cost-cutting, stadium projects and other areas of the club has been overshadowed by first-team problems. Ultimately, however, Ratcliffe and his team will be judged by results, and a major improvement is now required. Another managerial failure is considered unthinkable.
