Despite the rocky start to Erik ten Hag’s second season as manager, Danny Mills has urged Manchester United not to dismiss him.
However, the former Premier League player believes that Ten Hag is the fourth United manager to succumb to a curse haunting the club since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ten Hag has made a concerning revelation, demanding that four Manchester United players “step up.” Following the Red Devils’ setback against FC Copenhagen, their ninth loss in 17 games this season, they face the possibility of being eliminated from the Champions League group stage. Departure from the Carabao Cup’s fourth round, inconsistent Premier League performances, and the loss of Ten Hag’s formidable home record have all added to the mounting pressure on the Dutchman.
Mills, however, insists that Ten Hag needs more time to fully implement his vision at Old Trafford. He argues that his sometimes criticized rigorous approach is necessary to restore United to their former glory.
According to Mills, interviewed by Grosvenor Sport for Express Sport, “He is a coach who wants to improve individuals, and that endeavor can sometimes take time.” While some may not appreciate his authoritarian style, Mills believes it’s necessary.
Ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager at United since Sir Alex’s departure. David Moyes is the only one who had less than two full seasons. Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who secured back-to-back top-three finishes but failed to win trophies, all struggled to build on early success. Mills sees Ten Hag continuing this worrying pattern but believes he can achieve long-term success with the right support.
“He had a very, very good season the previous season,” Mills said. “Can you name a manager who has had two successful seasons in a row since Alex Ferguson left his position? This season hasn’t been nearly as successful as it could have been. The simple response is ‘no.'”
Mills highlights that no manager has improved from one season to the next. He emphasizes that Ten Hag needs time and support to flourish.
