Manchester United’s FA Cup Triumph: A Turning Point or False Dawn?
Analysing the Red Devils’ Unexpected Success
Manchester United’s recent FA Cup victory over Manchester City, as discussed by Mark Goldbridge on The United Stand, isn’t just a win on the pitch; it’s a symbol of hope for a fanbase that’s endured what many would call a “terrible season.” This triumph against the “best team in the world” – as City were labelled after their treble-winning exploits – is a testament to the resilience and tactical prowess of Erik Ten Hag and his squad. But amidst the celebrations, there lies a palpable tension concerning the future of their Dutch manager.
Fine Line Between Success and Management Decisions
Goldbridge’s fervent commentary highlights a crucial issue at Manchester United: the precarious position of Erik Ten Hag. “It’s a victory for Ten Hag and it’s a victory for the fans,” he asserts, immediately juxtaposing it with the stark reality of managerial insecurity. “INEOS are on the thinnest of thin ice if they sack Erik Ten Hag now,” he continues, suggesting that dismissing Ten Hag could be seen as a disregard for the club’s loyal supporters and a step towards instability. The implication here is clear: Manchester United, under INEOS’s stewardship, risks transforming from a football club into a ‘dictatorship,’ where managerial changes could undermine the team’s long-term strategies.
Potential Pitfalls of a Reset
The debate isn’t just about Ten Hag’s potential exit; it’s about what comes next. Goldbridge’s disdain for the alternatives is palpable: “They want to hit the reset button to bring in some guy from the Championship, or some reject from the Bundesliga, or Pochettino, to start another project that might not work.” The frustration in his voice reflects a broader sentiment among fans and pundits alike. It’s a scenario fraught with uncertainty and the fear of repeating past mistakes, where the allure of a fresh start is continually weighed against the costs of discarding the progress already made.
Performances That Fuels Hope
Despite the off-field controversies, the on-field performance in the FA Cup final speaks volumes. “Varane and Martinez were fantastic,” acknowledges Goldbridge, pointing out the standout players who were instrumental in United’s defensive solidity. Their ability to stymie a formidable Manchester City attack provided a blueprint for success that fans have been craving. Yet, even in victory, there’s an overshadowing concern: “I can’t believe we’re sat here tonight after winning the FA Cup and worrying about whether they sack the manager.” This statement encapsulates the surreal nature of football where triumph and uncertainty can coexist so intimately.
As Manchester United fans navigate these complex emotions, the importance of this victory shouldn’t be understated. It’s a moment of joy, a proof of concept for Ten Hag’s strategies, and potentially, a stepping stone to greater achievements. However, the looming questions about the club’s managerial direction will undoubtedly influence how this success is perceived in the broader narrative of the club’s history.
This FA Cup win could either be a turning point leading to a new era of success under Ten Hag, or just a brief respite in a period of managerial instability. As the dust settles, the actions of INEOS and the board will be crucial. Will they back their manager, building on this unexpected success, or will they succumb to the allure of a fresh start, potentially destabilizing the progress made? Only time will tell, but as Goldbridge eloquently puts it, this moment is as much a victory for the fans as it is for the manager. Their voice, their loyalty, and their passion for Manchester United are what truly define this historic club.
Its a ray hope for anyone fool enough to listen to gumflappers like Goldbridge with his unthinking superficial analysis. Scrape away the veneer of victory though and what was United’s performance but a highly disciplined parking of the bus by players who already, like their manager, mostly have the axe hanging over them.
What happens should the axe disappear and normal service is resumed? We already know that squad cannot physically handle his training regime. We already know they cannot play his system. So what says their replacements (the ones United can afford) will be any better? What says Ten Hag will not have the same lukewarm relationship he clearly has with a good few of his players with those to be bought in by Ineos? The inference being he is hardly the world’s greatest man manager
Further to that there are signs in things he has said in recent days that he may not quite be on the same page as the owners and if not, to extend his stay would be to court even greater problems. He was all very first person singular yesterday and it sounded like he intended to go on with his project rather than fit in with Ineos.
It was notable that unlike the players who sent very encouraging open message to the fans after the win yesterday thanking them and recognising how poor the season was and apologising for it in a conciliatory manner, that Ten Hag was the very opposite oozing vindication, reeling out all the same old (discredited) excuses (just ask Newcastle, Brentford, Chelsea and Liverpool about injuries this season), throwing his weight around, and taking on all comers being both hostile to pundits and defiant of Ineos as if he just done the quadruple.
In reality he had merely carried out a very well executed smash and grab on just 26.5% of the possession against an out of sorts City who clearly were not up for it. Is Ratcliffe going to look positively on such defiance (“I’ll go and win trophies somewhere else then”)? Ten Hag sounded like Martial when Mourinho dropped him and having seemed to get rid of player power the last thing United needs is a break-out of ‘manager power’ when clearly Ineos do not want a manager but a head coach who will dance to their tune.
Whilst I can see why it will have buoyed his acolytes to win and pleased everybody who follows the club as well, I doubt winning the FA Cup will have done enough to save him especially after his behaviour afterwards. It was not the behaviour of someone who realises they are the face and voice of one of the biggest sports brands on the planet. He should have celebrated the win and just left his vanity and hubris at home because ultimately it doesn’t matter what a certain faction of fan thinks but what Ratcliffe and his team think, what the sponsors think and what Wall Street thinks.
That Ten Hag has been making his pitch for the job in public instead of behind closed doors suggests he’s now slipping out of the Old Trafford loop.