Incredible numbers show why Erik Ten Hag should be next Manchester United manager
Manchester United’s big decision over the club’s next manager looms large over the second half of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino could be easily available, with PSG planning to move on at the end of the season, Le Parisien report.
Once the ‘next big thing’, Pochettino’s spell at PSG has been quite underwhelming and has not really enhanced his reputation to the point where he is an overwhelming choice.
Instead it is Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag who has become the popular name, and it is easy to see why.
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Ten Hag has a quite tremendous record, which indicates he could be quite special if he takes the job at Old Trafford.
While there remain conflicting reports over United’s top choice, The Times reported last month that Ten Hag is United’s top choice.
Staggering record
Ten Hag really should be Manchester United’s number one choice. We have seen what Mauricio Pochettino can do in the Premier League, and while it was impressive considering the resources he had at Tottenham, his upside really is not this good.
Ajax are dominating in the Eredivisie this season, winning 15 of 20 games and conceding only six goals. Pochettino’s PSG have conceded 18 league goals in 22 games.
What the figures above also demonstrate is Ten Hag’s consistency over a long stretch of time, producing success in multiple years.
Ten Hag has seen key players taken away from his side and continued to build and get better. He has a clear philosophy which he gets his squad to buy into, and United desperately need a man with a plan.
Amid all of the numbers listed above, the fact he has lost just one of 19 Champions League away games is arguably the most impressive.
It should be noted of course, the Champions League semi-final he lost, was against Mauricio Pochettino. This was a tie Ajax had dominated before two injury time goals from Lucas Moura turned the tie on it’s head.
Not the easy choice
The biggest question mark over Ten Hag is whether he can translate his success at Ajax to the Premier League. Players and coaches have struggled to replicate Dutch glory in England.
The other huge question is whether Ten Hag wants to move. He is not going to be as readily available as Pochettino, and United will have to (a) persuade him and (b) agree a compensation fee with Ajax.
It would not be a surprise if United move for Pochettino because it is both easier, cheaper, and quicker to get him in, and if a manager is chosen on that basis, then it is a big concern.
Given a choice between the two, Ten Hag is the more exciting appointment who will inspire the fanbase more. His upside is worth gambling on.
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