As I study at University, I am also working in a local shop. Next to this shop, is a pub (a beautiful combination, I know).
As I started my shift at this shop on Saturday, Manchester United had just won the FA Cup. I managed to watch the dying embers of the game before I had to get to work.
45 minutes or so after I started, patriots from the pub began to trickle into the shop to pick up post-match snacks and drinks. Many of them were wearing the blood-red shirt of Man United and were in a celebratory mood.
As the hazy-eyed customers began to queue to pay for their goods, conversations that had begun halfway through the final pint in the pub had managed to make their way to the shop floor.
The dominant talking point among these hardened United fans was the Erik Ten Hag debate. Was the winning of the trophy enough to secure him another season at Old Trafford or was it too late?
It got me thinking, back in 1990, when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side won the FA Cup — after a disastrous league campaign, which saw them finish 13th and just five points above the relegation zone — was the same conversation being had in pubs and shops alike as the ones being had today surrounding Ten Hag.
Was there a debate being had amongst United supporters as to whether a domestic cup outweighed Ferguson’s terrible season?
Maybe and maybe not?
No doubt the competition carried much more significance back then, than it does now. But it still has to count for something, doesn’t it?
Does ten Hag deserve another shot?
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The Debate
The biggest threat to a good story is the truth. The story of Man United and Ten Hag this season ends in redemption and joy, but we still must remember the undeniable truths from within the story.
The club, for much of the season, has massively underperformed and looked like a shadow of the former giant of English Football.
I’m sure the Dutchman would counter that with his own truths and there’s merit to them too.
He would bring up the countless injuries that he has had to contend with over the course of the campaign and how stifling that has been.
Yes, that is very much a fact, but he has still had access to some of the world’s most expensive players and well-recognised players throughout. Many of those stars have underperformed. Is that the manager’s fault, or is that the fault of the players? Who’s to say?
The arguments for and against Ten Hag both have valid points to them. With the naysayers complaining about his handling of certain situations (the Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo situations in particular) and obviously the lack of positive results throughout much of the season.
But the people who back the former Ajax manager, point to that 1990 FA Cup final and sliding doors moment within it. They play with the horrifying (if you're a Man United fan) alternative reality where the club sack Sir Alex and do not go on to achieve what they did.
Are the two scenarios worthy of comparison? Absolutely. Are they similar? Yes and no.
Man United, while a giant club back then, weren’t anywhere near as big as they are now. Nowadays, due to the work of Sir Alex, success is a requirement and failure is not an option. Whereas back in 1990 they had not won a league title (excluding the second division) since 1967, so the expectations were not as high as they are now, meaning there was more leeway granted to the Scotsman.
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The Verdict
Many would argue that the two domestic cups that Ten Hag has won would constitute success, others would point to times of yesteryear and say it’s not enough.
As Bruno Fernandes lifted the big-eared trophy above his head, he had Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo to his immediate right and Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho to his immediate left.
That image presents the potential of success to me. Five players, who especially in recent weeks, have flourished under the management of Ten Hag.
The foundation is there for success, you can see it in small phases of play during games. There is something to this side, something that is capable of achieving special things.
If United are to be reactionary and fire their current manager, they run the risk of throwing away this foundation for success.
There was something quite bizarre about watching the FA Cup- winning manager having to answer countless questions about his future with the club, as people just behind him set up the winner podium. It was the physical embodiment of an oxymoron.
Erik Ten Hag has the skill of developing young players and the ability to bring these kids into the first team seamlessly. Man United has a storied history of bringing young players through and making them marquee players. The Dutchman has built upon that and will only continue to do that.
This was illustrated by the goal scorers in the final. Garnacho and Mainoo both came through the academy and have thrived under their manager.
He also carries himself as many imagine a Man United manager should. He is forthright and bold. He has principles on and off the pitch that all must adhere to. He embodies so much of what Manchester United have historically stood for.
It was reported exclusively by The Guardian that the result of the FA Cup final was irrelevant and no matter what happened, Ten Hag would be sacked.
But the result and the performance on the day showed what he can bring to the club if given time. They were defiant and brave, they exemplified everything the club and the city of Manchester stands for.
For a good 11 years, Man United have been doing an impression of Man United. But during that final, they were the real deal.
Erik Ten Hag has everything required to be a major success at Manchester United and I do personally believe that they would live to regret sacking him.
If this is to be goodbye, just know that Ten Hag went out as the winner.
Metaphorically sticking two fingers up to the doubters with one hand and lifting the cup with the other.
