During his two years at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has faced many ups and downs, with the last season particularly like a long-running nightmare followed by a famous victory.
The scrutiny at United is arguably unlike any other club in world football due to their vast fanbase and English language coverage.
Understandable, the Dutchman has been praised for many things, like his handling of youth, ability to win trophies, and resetting the culture at the club.
At the same time, things have left a lot to be desired in certain areas too, like implementing a clear playing philosophy, an abundance of injuries leading to questions over the training, and more.
However, there is one criticism that has been leveled at Erik ten Hag since he began at the club even when he kept winning in the first season. He has fought back fiercely against it now, even doubling down on it.
Erik ten Hag responds to huge bone of contention
Looking at the players signed by United since he arrived, there is a clear pattern to be found of many either playing under him or against him once upon a time.
The “Dutch-ification” of United has been a stick for rivals to beat United with, and signings like Antony, who, while not Dutch, came from Ajax and failed spectacularly so far don’t help.
A shift away from this was expected when Ineos came in but so far, Joshua Zirkzee has been signed, Matthijs de Ligt is targeted, and three Dutchmen have joined the coaching staff.
Ten Hag spoke to Dutch outlet AD and fought back against suggestions of a narrow scope, outlining qualities he looks for in any recruit- player or manager.
He said: “I look at quality. This is the Premier League. Not only do you look at the absolute top when composing your group of players, this also applies to the coaches, specialists and staff members.
“In almost the entire English top management you see that managers surround themselves with international top people, often people with whom they have a relationship of trust or who they already know.
“I started looking for people who I know are good. Loyalty is also a thing. Ruud van Nistelrooy: a fantastic, experienced coach with United DNA. We have a talented British coach in Darren Fletcher. Rene was someone with the same profile as Mitchell had: a very good and experienced, analytically strong field coach. And Jelle ten Rouwelaar has trained three Dutch internationals, including Bart Verbruggen.
“With his innovative training material, he is one of the great talents when it comes to modern goalkeeper training.”
Results trump everything
Ultimately, the reason why the noise around the club and its strategy reached a fever pitch last season is because United couldn’t buy a convincing win on most matchday.
Every fan had Antony’s price tag when he scored on his debut vs Arsenal and ran his socks off in every game during the first season.
Mitchell van der Gaag was the Ten Hag’s “chosen one” when Barcelona were brushed aside in the Europa League in the first season under the manager.
They all turned into problems once the team started losing, which is when culprits and targets need to pop up to become subjects of anger and frustration.
The new coaching team will count for nothing if United continue play like they did last season and they will be regarded as saviours if the team takes a turn for the better.
One thing is certain, Ten Hag is ride or die with every choice he makes at Old Trafford.
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