Erik ten Hag, a name that has become synonymous with discipline, tactical ingenuity, and footballing philosophy, has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary European football. Taking over the reins at Manchester United in 2022, ten Hag faced the monumental challenge of reviving a club that had been struggling to reclaim its former glory since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. His task was to restore Manchester United to the upper echelons of both English and European football, and to bring stability and a distinct style of play to a club in disarray.
This article delves into Erik ten Hag’s career journey, his managerial philosophy, and the transformative impact he has had on Manchester United, as well as what the future may hold under his stewardship.
Early Life and Playing Career
Erik ten Hag was born in Haaksbergen, Netherlands, on February 2, 1970. His early passion for football influenced his career path. Raised in a small town in the eastern part of the Netherlands, ten Hag played as a central defender during his playing career, notably for FC Twente and FC Utrecht. However, his playing career was not as illustrious as some of his contemporaries, and it was clear early on that his true strength lay in his understanding of the game rather than his physical abilities on the pitch.
Ten Hag’s playing career was modest but gave him invaluable insight into defensive organization, positional play, and the importance of team structure. His time as a player laid the foundation for his later success as a manager. After retiring as a player, he shifted his focus toward coaching, a decision that would eventually lead to his rise as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe.
Rise to Prominence: The Managerial Journey
Erik ten Hag’s managerial career took off in the lower divisions of Dutch football. His first significant managerial position came in 2012 when he took over at FC Bayern Munich II, the reserve team of the German giants. Though the role did not involve managing the first team, it allowed ten Hag to hone his skills, develop his tactics, and work with young talent—an experience that would shape his future approaches to management.
In 2013, ten Hag took over at FC Utrecht, a club in the Eredivisie that had been struggling to make an impact on the top tier of Dutch football. His time at Utrecht marked a pivotal moment in his career. Ten Hag implemented a high-pressing style and focused on developing young players, which helped Utrecht become one of the most exciting teams in the Eredivisie during his tenure. His tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his squad saw Utrecht finish in the top half of the table and secure European football, something that had been rare for the club in recent years.
Ten Hag’s success at Utrecht caught the attention of top Dutch clubs, and in 2017, he was appointed the manager of AFC Ajax, one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands. His appointment at Ajax would be the turning point in his managerial career, bringing him into the global spotlight.
The Ajax Era: Tactical Mastery and European Glory
At Ajax, Erik ten Hag took over a club that had fallen on hard times in European competitions. However, his arrival would mark the beginning of an era of tactical sophistication and team development. Ten Hag quickly implemented his high-pressing, possession-based philosophy that emphasized technical proficiency and fluid movement.
Under ten Hag, Ajax became a force to be reckoned with in Europe. The team’s play was marked by dynamic attacking football and an unrelenting press when out of possession. One of the defining features of ten Hag’s Ajax was his ability to nurture young talent and give them the platform to shine on the European stage. Players like Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, and Donny van de Beek became integral parts of Ajax’s first team, with their technical ability and tactical awareness making them stand out not only in the Eredivisie but also in the Champions League.
Ten Hag’s crowning achievement at Ajax came in the 2018-2019 season. Ajax won the Eredivisie title, the KNVB Cup, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, where they defeated the mighty Real Madrid and Juventus in thrilling encounters. The team’s run to the semifinals of the Champions League was a triumph of tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and youthful exuberance. The performances of Ajax under ten Hag were a revelation in European football, earning widespread praise for their tactical versatility and fearless approach to the game.
Ten Hag’s success at Ajax was built on a foundation of young players, solid defensive organization, and a free-flowing attack that captivated football fans around the world. By the time he left Ajax in 2022, his reputation as one of the best tactical minds in football was well-established, and top clubs across Europe began to take notice.
Manchester United: A New Era
In April 2022, Manchester United, after a season of underperformance, decided to part ways with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and ten Hag was appointed as his successor. The challenge was immense. United had not won the Premier League since 2013, and the club had suffered under inconsistent performances, lack of structure, and questionable squad management.
Erik ten Hag inherited a squad full of talented players but struggling to find any semblance of unity or identity on the pitch. The first task was to instill discipline and a clear tactical approach—something that had been missing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Ten Hag brought in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession, pressing, and attacking width. He immediately made it clear that players who did not fit his vision would be sidelined, which led to the departure of several high-profile individuals who were not aligned with his philosophy.
One of the key early decisions made by ten Hag was to place the club’s captaincy into the hands of Bruno Fernandes, recognizing his leadership qualities despite his fiery temperament. He also relied on a more balanced approach to team selection, opting to bring in players who he felt were more suited to his system, including Lisandro Martínez, Christian Eriksen, and Antony from Ajax.
Tactical Philosophy at Manchester United
Under ten Hag, Manchester United began to adopt a more structured and pragmatic style of play. The team’s buildup from the back, a hallmark of ten Hag’s previous work at Ajax, was prominent. His United side focused on controlling possession and playing through the thirds, relying on quick transitions and pressing from the front. The formation was fluid, with an emphasis on fluid attacking patterns and maintaining shape defensively.
Defensively, ten Hag employed a high press, similar to what he had used at Ajax, although with more focus on solidity given the defensive fragility United had shown in recent years. With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho pushing forward, Manchester United became more dangerous in transition.
By the end of his first season in charge, ten Hag had led Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured a historic FA Cup victory. His ability to get the best out of players like Rashford and Fernandes was crucial to the team’s success, as he gave them a clear tactical framework that suited their strengths.
Challenges and Criticisms
While ten Hag has been widely praised for his tactical acumen, his reign at Manchester United has not been without its challenges. One major area of concern has been his handling of player egos, particularly with players who have not seen eye-to-eye with his methods. Ten Hag’s willingness to drop even high-profile players for tactical reasons—such as Cristiano Ronaldo in his final season at United—has led to controversies.
In addition, while ten Hag has shown success in the league and cup competitions, his team’s inconsistency in certain high-profile matches—especially in European competitions—has raised questions about whether his methods will be enough to push Manchester United back to the summit of European football.
However, ten Hag’s tactical intelligence, ability to work with young players, and commitment to instilling discipline have provided Manchester United with a much-needed structure, something the club had been lacking for years.
Future of Manchester United Under Ten Hag
Looking forward, the future of Manchester United under Erik ten Hag seems promising. His ability to recruit players who fit his philosophy, as well as his focus on team structure and discipline, suggests that the club is moving in the right direction. The key for ten Hag will be maintaining consistency in the Premier League while continuing to make strides in Europe. Success in the Champions League and Premier League will be the ultimate test of his managerial abilities.
Moreover, the continued development of Manchester United’s younger players, such as Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes, will be crucial in building a long-term competitive team. Ten Hag has shown an ability to develop players, and he will need to continue doing so to keep United competitive in a rapidly evolving football landscape.
FAQs
What is Erik ten Hag’s managerial philosophy?
Erik ten Hag’s philosophy is built around possession-based football, tactical discipline, and pressing high up the pitch. He focuses on maintaining a solid defensive structure while being fluid in attack, creating overloads in wide areas, and building from the back.
Where did Erik ten Hag have his most success before Manchester United?
Ten Hag’s most notable success before Manchester United came at Ajax, where he led the team to domestic and international glory, including a Champions League semifinal run in 2019. His work with Ajax’s young players was especially noteworthy.
What challenges has Erik ten Hag faced at Manchester United?
Ten Hag has faced challenges related to player egos, especially with high-profile players not always fitting into his tactical system. Additionally, his team has been inconsistent in European competitions and big matches in the Premier League.
How has Erik ten Hag managed high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo?
Ten Hag made the difficult decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo during his final season at Manchester United, prioritizing tactical discipline over individual star power. This move was controversial but highlighted ten Hag’s commitment to his vision.
What is the future of Manchester United under Erik ten Hag?
The future of Manchester United under ten Hag looks promising. His tactical discipline and focus on young player development could see United return to the top of English and European football, provided they continue to build a competitive squad.
In summary
Erik ten Hag’s journey from a modest playing career to becoming one of Europe’s top football managers is a testament to his tactical intelligence and leadership qualities. His time at Ajax catapulted him into the global spotlight, and his appointment as Manchester United manager in 2022 marked the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford. While there have been challenges, ten Hag’s ability to instill discipline, foster teamwork, and develop young talent has begun to bear fruit. With a clear tactical philosophy and a focus on long-term success, Erik ten Hag is well-positioned to continue rebuilding Manchester United into a major force in world football.
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