Whatever happens between Erik ten Hag and Manchester United – whether they opt for an early divorce or decide instead to keep the flame alive – the Dutchman will always have a legacy at Old Trafford.
And not just because it was him who ended the club’s six-year trophy drought back in 2023.
But because, on Erik ten Hag‘s watch, the next generation of Manchester United not only stepped onto the scene but ended up owning the stage.
Say what you want about the former Ajax boss, the faith and the confidence Ten Hag has instilled in Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – the latter the oldest of the trio at just 21 – may have laid the foundations for a brighter future, even if dark clouds continue to hang over Old Trafford in the present.
And, while even Ten Hag’s most fierce supporter would have to accept that it was a decision made too late, Wednesday’s 3-2 triumph over Newcastle may go down in United history as the night when Amad Diallo really announced himself in the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney hails Manchester United youngsters
Amad opened his top-flight account with a fierce volley some 26 minutes after assisting Mainoo’s opener.
For Wayne Rooney, Man United’s all-time record goalscorer, the progress made by Amad, Mainoo, Hojlund, Garnacho, Willy Kambwala and co over the last few months puts a tick in the ‘pro’ column as Ineos balance the pluses against the cons when deciding on Ten Hag’s future.
“You look at the young players – Mainoo, Garnacho – the potential of this football club,” Rooney tells Sky Sports (15 May, 10pm).
“You can’t keep getting rid of managers and starting again. They have to give a manager time to get back to competing for trophies.”
Mainoo, taking his goal with exactly the sort of composure and poise you would expect, took his tally to four in a United side as he swept Amad’s pass into the bottom corner. Like fellow teenager Garnacho – the Argentine has now started a staggering 36 games in a row – Mainoo has gone fromLa Carrington to become one of the first names on the senior team sheet in the blink of an eye.
30 years on from ‘Fergie’s Fledgings’, will we one day refer to Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund as, say, ‘Ten Hag’s Tots’?
Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation under Erik ten Hag
“(Mainoo) has been fantastic and he’s played a lot for games as well. It’s not easy,” Rooney smiles. “He’s had to take a lot on over the last few months. He’s been a mainstay and he’s chipped in with a few goals.
“United fans should be really excited about him because he’s got a bright future in the game.”
“He’s been really mature playing in the middle of the park,” adds Roy Keane, Rooney’s former Man United skipper. “It is a difficult challenge.
“He’s added a few goals to his game. He’s just got to stay grounded but he’s had a very good start to his career at United.”
Man United have now drawn level with Newcastle on 57 points, and can overtake Eddie Howe’s team in seventh if The Magpies drop points at Brentford on the final day this weekend.