As Erik ten Hag can testify, it is quite easy to forge a big reputation as a promising manager at a European club. When you get to Manchester United – that’s when the pressure really starts.
Erik ten Hag has been trying to steer Manchester United in the right direction all season, but has been beset by an ongoing injury crisis. Some of this, he hasn’t helped himself. Like going into another year with Anthony Martial as a back-up striker. Unsurprisingly, that hasn’t worked out.
Factor in the team’s position 11 points behind the Champions League spots, with a -2 goal difference, and an early exit from Europe, then it’s no surprise at all to see manager rumours swirling.
Two straight Premier League defeats have added to the pressure, especially with new investors Ineos assessing the club from top to bottom.
A variety of potential replacements have been linked to the club this week, with ESPN reporting interest in Roberto de Zerbi. Another report via TEAMtalk claim United are eyeing Bologna manager Thiago Motta.
De Zerbi hails Thiago Motta
Thiago Motta is earning a reputation as one of Europe’s best up and coming bosses after steering unfancied Bologna into fourth place in Serie A.
He’s so highly rated, in fact, that Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has revealed he is trying to learn from him.
The Italian was quoted by TMW: “Motta brought something unique to Italian football. I’m studying it a lot, I had the matches sent to the tactical room because it intrigued me.
“We have different principles, there is something in common, such as command of matches and courage.”
Motta’s football is based on a possession-first style, something which has been a flaw for Manchester United throughout the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. In the recent defeat to City, Erik ten Hag’s side saw just 27 per cent of the play.
Any manager would be a gamble, though, faced with some of the same potential high-pressure pitfalls Erik ten Hag has had to endure. Ineos have a tough call to make.
De Zerbi stock may be dropping
Roberto de Zerbi has an advantage over Motta because he is ‘proven’ in the Premier League. However, in recent weeks, he is also proving quite inconsistent.
His Brighton side were hammered 4-0 at Roma in the Europa League last night, following up a 3-0 Premier League loss to Brighton.
In all competitions Brighton have five defeats, two wins and one draw from their last eight games.
He can get away with a run like that at Brighton, where the spotlight does not shine intensely. At Manchester United it’s different, as Erik ten Hag is finding out.
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