When Erik ten Hag started as Manchester United manager, he came in with a quote which may yet become iconic.
When asked about how he could hope to topple the dominance of Manchester City and Liverpool, he issued a reminder that ‘eras come to an end’.
With Jurgen Klopp quitting Liverpool earlier this year, Ten Hag is halfway to seeing his prediction come to fruition.
The big question that remained was whether Ten Hag’s own era would continue, with new owners Ineos conducting a review.
Last week it was decided Ineos would keep Ten Hag as manager, much to the Dutchman’s delight.
Erik ten Hag speaks on Ineos decision
Ten Hag has recently been working on Dutch television covering Euro 2024, and has shed some light on the club’s situation.
Per BBC Sport, he explained how Ineos flew to meet him on summer holiday in Ibiza to deliver the good news he should stay.
He referenced the club’s talks with other candidates, before declaring himself the ‘best manager’ for the job, citing Ineos.
He said: “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.
“Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.
When asked about a new deal, Ten Hag did not leap at the chance, backing recent claims he is feeling ‘empowered‘, responding: “Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done – we are still going to have to talk about this.”
A new Erik ten Hag is emerging
A lot of the criticism of Ten Hag has stemmed not only from results, but from how dry he has come across in press conferences before and after matches.
Club legend Peter Schmeichel recently asked: “It’s one of his problems doing these post-match interviews, I’m not sure he can, or knows precisely what to say. I don’t think he’s excelling.”
Rarely has the personality he showed during his initial press conference come across – but now we may begin to see the real Erik ten Hag.
He spoke confidently about his situation to Dutch TV, in a relaxed setting, even talking of Ineos as ‘new in football’, effectively citing their inexperience.
The FA Cup win has put the wind in Erik ten Hag’s sails. He spoke after victory to effectively warn Ineos, spelling out he is a manager who wins trophies, and ditch him at their peril.
He proclaimed: “Two trophies in two years is not bad, three finals in two years is not bad. If they don’t want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do.”
Manchester United is a tough place to manage, we have seen that over the years.
What the club needs is a manager who can command the squad, has authority, and speak confidently to energise the fanbase.
With Ten Hag’s confidence growing, Manchester United could be a much more fun place to be next season. Win a few games to start the season, and we really could be rolling.
Let’s see if the new and improved Ten Hag can stick around.