So, I've just joined this forum, and this is my first post. I felt compelled to join, as I needed to get my view across on Erik Ten Hag, for however little it is worth. He has got to stay, please. I fear he will be shown the door, but think it will be a huge mistake.
Since Sir Alex left, he was the first manager I truly felt could fit the profile of what Manchester United needs. A manager who wants to play good football, is likely to commit himself to the club for the long terms and build something. When he walked through the door, we all know the club was an absolute mess. If we were being truthful, we knew it would take several years to even dream of challenging at the top of the table. Yet, two years into the job, Man Utd have played in 4 domestic cups, got to the final 3 times and won twice. We had a really encouraging time in the Premier league last season, and were looking pretty good in Europa League until Martinez got injured, and then our vulnerabilities came to the forefront again.
This season has been poor. Really horrific. I won't lie and say I haven't cursed a lot while watching many games, and questioned decisions ETH has made. But, no manager gets everything perfect, right? So many pundits, especially those not associated with Utd, are quick to stick the knife in any chance they get. They don't know and feel the club deep down, they just know that sensationalizing Man Utd problems gets clicks. I've heard people like Shearer continue to say things like "Injuries are no excuse, all clubs have them". However, I'd love someone to ask Shearer "OK then, Newcastle have fallen down the table this year compared to last, is Howe taking them backwards and should he be sacked?". I am certain Shearer would then start telling us about the injury problems Newcastle have had to face. Arsenal have pretty much had all their key players available all season. Liverpool had a spell after Xmas where they had injuries, but apart from Robertson had their key players for first half of season, and also had them at the end of the season.
Dalot has been our only defender that has been fit through the vast majority of the season. Not only are so many of our best defenders missed games, our second string players have often been out injured as well. So, we end up playing 3rd, 4th, 5th string players, players out of position, etc. When injured, our better players simply cannot train, cannot be developed. When they do put their injury behind them, their only training is to try and get fit and stronger, and then they are thrown into the side as they are the only option. Do people really expect that this fragmented squad should be able to compete consistently against well drilled, Premier league sides? Finishing 8th this season is such a disappointment. Yet, then again, given how shocking we have been, it is almost amazing we've finished that high, and beat a number of sides who get a lot of praise over the season. If Utd hadn't suffered so many injuries (say, no more than 2 or even 3 key players out), then I'm sure ETH could have coached the available players to become more consistent, and we'd have at least pushed for the Top 4.
Cast your mind back to the era Sir Alex came to Utd. Before he joined, they finished the 5 previous campaigns in the Top 5. In his first season, they finished 11th, but then did well the following year and ended up 2nd. However, in his third season they finished 12th, and the season after 13th. It wasn't until his 7th season that they won the league, and the rest is history. For many of those that insists ETH should leave, they'd also have sacked Alex Ferguson long before the Premier League began.
For me, ETH has done more than enough to indicate he is a good manager, is committed to building a side and giving youth a chance, and would be there for the long haul. Not just looking for a nice 3 or 4 year pay day, before going off to some other big club. But, as a fan, I want to be loyal to this "project". Continue to believe, even when things get tough. I'm sure ETH will have learnt much more from the tough periods than he does when things are going well. If anyone knows what mistakes have been made, and where the club needs to be improved, it will be ETH. And, if INEOS can just bring in good people above him, who can sort out the scouting system, transfer policy and negotiations, then together I'm sure they can all take the club forward sooner rather than later.
So, come on Man Utd. Support your people, support your manager. Please tell us he is staying, and get moving on how you are going to develop the squad for next season. And, please don't sack the manager, and bring in some of the managers that have been rumored. Honestly, I think some of them are going to present a whole world of problems.
