I think Erik ten Hag is doing a brilliant job

Five consecutive winless matches have cast Erik ten Hag into a challenging situation at Manchester United, where expectations are always sky-high.

With the team underperforming and sitting lower in the Premier League table than anticipated, criticism from fans and the media has intensified. However, amidst the scrutiny, there are still voices of support for the Dutch manager, and one of them comes from David Moyes, a man who knows all too well the pressures of managing Manchester United.

David Moyes, who took charge of the Red Devils in the 2013/14 season following the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, has offered praise for ten Hag’s resilience and professionalism during this difficult period. Reflecting on the current manager’s approach, Moyes expressed admiration for the way ten Hag has handled the mounting challenges, emphasizing his ability to stay composed under pressure.

“I think he's doing a brilliant job,” Moyes told the BBC in a recent interview. “I believe he has shown remarkable resilience in the situation he's in and should be recognized for the way he has conducted himself.” Moyes’ comments are a reminder of the immense pressure that comes with managing a club of Manchester United’s stature. The former United manager, who himself struggled under the weight of expectations at Old Trafford, can certainly empathize with ten Hag’s situation.

Moyes continued by highlighting how ten Hag has faced the criticism head-on, not shying away from difficult questions or the relentless media scrutiny that comes with being the manager of one of the world’s most famous football clubs. “I haven’t seen him shy away from any questions or interviews you’ve put to him. I think he deserves great credit for that, but it’s a job that attracts immense pressure, with people talking, so I have to say I think he’s doing a brilliant job,” Moyes added.

Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge of Manchester United saw considerable progress. The Dutchman led the club to a top-four finish, securing Champions League football, and won the Carabao Cup, ending United’s trophy drought. His tactical acumen and ability to instill discipline within the squad were widely praised. However, the current season has been less forgiving, with a string of poor performances leading to questions about the team’s form and ten Hag’s tactics.

Moyes, however, understands that managing a club like Manchester United comes with unique challenges. He, too, was tasked with following in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson, a daunting task that ultimately ended in disappointment for Moyes, who lasted less than a season in the role. His empathy for ten Hag’s position is evident in his remarks, and his acknowledgment of the “immense pressure” that comes with the job sheds light on the unforgiving nature of managing a top club in the Premier League.

Since his brief stint at United, Moyes has gone on to rebuild his managerial career. He enjoyed success at clubs like Everton and more recently with West Ham United, where he led the team to notable finishes in the Premier League and European competition. His words carry weight, particularly as someone who has experienced the highs and lows of Premier League management.

As for ten Hag, the path forward remains challenging. With Manchester United underperforming in key matches, the manager faces the task of not only improving results but also restoring confidence within his squad. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and mounting pressure from fans and pundits have all contributed to a difficult start to the season. However, Moyes’ vote of confidence suggests that there is still belief in ten Hag’s ability to turn things around.

Despite the current struggles, ten Hag’s long-term vision for the club remains intact. He is credited with re-establishing a sense of discipline and tactical organization within the team, elements that had been lacking in previous seasons. While the immediate results have been disappointing, his track record at Ajax, where he developed young talent and implemented an attractive style of play, suggests that he possesses the tools to succeed in the long run.

Moyes’ praise serves as a reminder that football management is a long-term endeavor, and setbacks are often part of the journey. The key for ten Hag, as Moyes pointed out, is maintaining resilience and composure in the face of adversity. Manchester United fans will be hoping that their current manager can weather this difficult period and bring the club back to winning ways.

As Manchester United prepare for their next fixtures, ten Hag will be under no illusions about the importance of securing positive results. The pressure may be high, but as Moyes’ comments suggest, ten Hag’s ability to face that pressure head-on is commendable, and his leadership could still steer United towards a successful season.