Steve Bruce knows a thing or two about being a man under pressure in the Premier League.
Barely a day went by, during Bruce’s ill-fated spell at the helm of Newcastle, without supporters baying for blood on Tyneside. The Manchester United legend remains one of the most unpopular managers in recent top-flight history, even his Geordie roots not enough to save the 63-year-old from criticism even more intense than Erik ten Hag has had to endure during a dreadful second season at Old Trafford.
Bruce eventually lost grip on that Newcastle post following the club’s long-awaited Saudi Arabian takeover in 2021, Amanda Staveley and co bringing in Eddie Howe to take his place.
Ahead of Man United’s first summer under Ineos control, there remains a feeling that Sir Jim Ratcliffe could take a similar decision on Ten Hag, potential replacements such as Gareth Southgate, Thiago Motta and Julian Nagelsmann mentioned with growing regularity in the press.
But if the comments he made before Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth are anything to go by, Ten Hag does not sound like a man on the brink.
Will Manchester United keep faith with Erik ten Hag?
“I work with the new ownership very good, closely together,” Ten Hag said. “(That takeover) doesn’t change the way I work here. (My relationship with Ineos is) perfect. Still perfect. I am happy with that.
“But we want to set the right conditions to be successful.”
The Dutchman’s words appear to back up claims, made by The Athletic, suggesting that INEOS are drawing up their future plans with Ten Hag in mind, the former Ajax boss likely to stay and see out at least the final year of his existing contract.
“It certainly sounds, by his interview, that they have (a plan for Ten Hag to stay),” Bruce, who captained Man United to a trio of Premier League titles between 1993 and 1996, tells talkSPORT (16 April, 12.30pm).
“There is certainly a plan in place above him. They have put in structures above him. I know people are on gardening leave but I am sure, by the summer, it will be resolved. Dan Ashworth, the new CEO (Omar Berrada), the kid from Southampton (Jason Wilcox).
“It looks as if there is a plan in place.”
In truth, it’s difficult to know exactly how to feel about Ten Hag’s future. Yes, injuries have kept a number of star players out of action for most of the campaign but Man United had almost a full-strength XI on the pitch against Bournemouth and they were as dismal as ever.
Man United, now seventh, could yet fall to their lowest point in Premier League history. Even worse than that dreaded David Moyes season. Yet, his first year at the helm was an unquestionable success. Can Ten Hag repeat that under a proper structure, and under owners who care more about the football than the profit margins?
Ineos have a decision to make
“Certainly, by the sounds of Ten Hag, he feels like he’s part of it,” Bruce adds. “And I genuinely hope he is given a chance under the new ownership.
“The big thing I think, for all Man United fans, is recruitment and how they improve that. There’s no doubt that they have spent a hell of a lot of money. However, have they got it right with the type of player you have to be to play for Man United?
“Man United sets the highest standards. You’re under intense scrutiny and, by the way, so is the manager. Everybody is judged on results. It will be interesting to see, going forward. Ten Hag, I hope they will go with him and put the people in place above him to drive the club forward.”
“But they’ve got a hell of a work ahead of them.”
INEOS are reportedly planning to bring in new additions in at least four positions, all the while moving on a number of underperforming players.