Daily Junction.mobi portalErik ten Hag has the credentials to succeed at Manchester United — he won three Eredivisie titles at Ajax and has won two trophies in two seasons at United. But he has also shown tactical naivety (the 7-0 loss at Liverpool, the defensive disorganisation in 2023-24) and has failed to get the best out of expensive signings like Antony and Sancho.
The 2024-25 season will show whether Ten Hag can:
If Ten Hag can achieve these goals, United can finish top four and challenge for trophies. If he fails, he will be sacked by Christmas, and United will appoint their sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Prediction: United will finish 4th and reach the FA Cup final, but will not challenge for the title. Ten Hag will survive the season, but 2025-26 will be his final chance to deliver a title challenge.
Ten Hag won two trophies in two seasons (League Cup 2023, FA Cup 2024) but United finished 8th in 2023-24 with 60 points - their worst Premier League finish since 1990. United's summer 2024 transfer window was the most expensive in their history (£200m+ spent) with signings in defence, midfield, and attack to address squad weaknesses. The tactical system remains unclear - Ten Hag has switched between 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 3-5-2 without finding a consistent identity, leading to defensive fragility (58 goals conceded in 2023-24).
Key players underperformed in 2023-24: Rashford (8 league goals vs 17 in 2022-23), Casemiro (declined sharply), Antony (£86m signing scored 1 league goal), and Sancho (exiled after public dispute). The 2024-25 season is make-or-break - United must finish top four and show clear tactical progress, or Ten Hag will be sacked despite winning two trophies in two years. INEOS have backed Ten Hag with significant investment, but patience is running out. This is his final chance to prove he can turn Manchester United into title contenders.