Manchester United need a strong mind at the helm spearheading their transformation, and Erik ten Hag looks to fit that description.
Being a boss at Old Trafford is pressuring at the best of times, never mind on the back of the club’s worst-ever Premier League showing. He will have to deal with questions, criticism and jibes during his tenure.
In recent weeks, they have come from countryman and former United boss Louis van Gaal. The Dutch coach was sacked in the wake of United's 2016 FA Cup triumph, so there may have been a tone of resentment in his branding of United as a ‘commercial club’ in March.
READ MORE: Louis van Gaal warns Jurrien Timber over potential Manchester United transfer
Van Gaal currently manages the Netherlands national team and so oversees Ten Hag targets Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong. This week, Van Gaal advised Timber that a move to Old Trafford may be premature.
He said: “I think a player with his qualities can play in the Premier League. That’s not a problem. But if he has to make this step now... that's another question. It is not so wise I think [to join United ]. He has to play."
Ten Hag inferred he had spoken to Van Gaal and former United defender Daley Blind, who worked under him at Ajax, before his first United press conference last month. When asked about it in the media meet, he said: "I spoke with more people who have experience with this club. Experts, but finally I will draw my own line."
It sent a clear message that he is confident in his own judgement, and who can blame him having won three Eredivisie titles on the trot. It also shows a clarity of mind.
He knows of Van Gaal ’s past ties with United. The 70-year-old makes up a trio of former United managers to throw shade at their old stomping ground after a less than amicable exit.
David Moyes and Jose Mourinho complete the set, having also been adjudged to have taken quick digs at the club in the years since their sackings. Blind admitted he felt a bit lost towards the end of his stay, too.
But Ten Hag’s statement indicates he knows that Blind’s and Van Gaal’s advice may be useful but not unblotted. It’s like asking your new partner's exes their opinion of them - for the most part, you’re not going to get a positive review.
Despite Van Gaal’s recent comments, he won’t be deterred by romanticising an Ajax reunion at Old Trafford in his pursuit of Timber and De Jong.
He is confident in his own discernment and he must be confident that both players would be a good fit at United. Ten Hag knows he will be judged on his own actions, not the advice of others.
He’s worked closely with Timber and De Jong at Ajax, so knows them better than Van Gaal does anyway. The 52-year-old will be the captain of his own destiny, it seems.
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