When it comes to football management, the name Erik Ten Hag immediately comes to mind. The man from the Netherlands attracted the attention of football enthusiasts all over the globe, and he also did it with me. Within this sweeping survey, I will describe the amazing trip of this forward-thinking mentor that introduced fresh energy into Manchester United.
From Player to Prodigy: Ten Hag’s Early Years
Born on February 2, 1970, in Haaksbergen, Netherlands, Erik Ten Hag had a profound passion for the game of football ever since his early age. I am particularly interested in his move from playing to the coaching of football.
As much as he is a coach, Ten Hag´s playing career is not as successful as his coaching career, which helped him understand the game tactically. He mainly stayed a center-back for FC Twente, De Graafschap, and RKC Waalwijk throughout his playing days.
The Coaching Journey Begins
Ten Hag’s shift to the role of a coach was at the end of his debut in 2006 when he led Go Ahead Eagles’ youth team. This point would be the start of a coach´s career that would witness him rising through the boards of Dutch football. Landmarks in his early career as a coach are:
- 2009: Appointed assistant coach at PSV Eindhoven
- 2012: Was given a head coach position at Go Ahead Eagles where he managed to promote the team to the Eredivisie
- 2013: Did the managing part of Bayern Munich II and was dealing with Pep Guardiola closely
- 2015: Came back to the Netherlands as sporting director and coach of FC Utrecht
The Ajax Era: Where Legends Were Born
Ten Hag’s success story started in December 2017 when he was hired by Ajax as the head coach. Actually, this chapter turned out to be the most remarkable one so far in his career. During his time in Ajax, I noticed the great potential in tactical analysis of Ten Hag´s. He was the main actor in numerous accomplishments of the team, including:
- 3 Eredivisie titles (2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22)
- 2 KNVB Cups (2018–19, 2020–21)
- 1 Johan Cruyff Shield (2019)
- A memorable run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018–19
Ajax managed by Ten Hag was famous for its appealing and attacking side and the development of young talents such as Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.
Tactical Innovations: The Ten Hag Philosophy
As I analyze Ten Hag´s coaching method, I am amazed by his strict dedication to playing football with the possession and pressing on high. His team´s most used system of play is usually a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, focusing on the synchronization of the players. The main aspects of the tactical approach are:
- Starting the play by playing from the back with the ball-playing defenders
- Using one pivot midfielder to control play
- Allowing full-backs to advance and provide width
- Using a collective press to regain possession rapidly
- Creating players who can play more than one position
The Manchester United Chapter
Manchester United decided to introduce Ten Hag to the world as their new manager in April 2022 which signaled the birth of a new era at Old Trafford. I have closely monitored his time at United and observed several subtle but important turnarounds:
- An adoption of a more structured playing style
- A focus on teamwork and professional behavior on display within the squad
- A strategical buying of the players who can fit into his system
- An improvement in the team’s pressing and possession statistics
- A much more enthralling time among the fans and experts alike
Ten Hag’s contract at Manchester United will expire in 2025, with an option for an additional year. This long-term commitment from the club says little about their trust in the possibility of him reconstructing the team.
Comparing Ten Hag to His Predecessors
While I look through the lens of Manchester United´s past managers, the distinctions between them and Ten Hag surface more clearly:
- As opposed to Jose Mourinho, the attacking football is in priority over the defensive discipline by Ten Hag
- On the different side, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brings an unclear tactical framework than Ten Hag´s clear one
- Good news was that unlike Louis van Gaal, the emergent tenant showed that the attacking transitions should be swift and direct.
Challenges and Triumphs
There were some bumps on the road of Ten Hag´s journey. In Manchester United, he had to deal with:
- The necessity of managing the players with strong and controversial characters
- Pressure to validate the new leadership style, while the club is growing and for the fans to be satisfied
- Adaptation of his style of football to be more physical and with a higher pace as the Premier League stands
He has been noteworthy in overcoming these barriers though. The fact that the team has shown better results and has the players like Marcus Rashford, who have made substantial improvements under his supervision, confirms his coaching ability.
The Future of Football Management
When I talk about the future, I am convinced that Ten Hag will be the one who changes the course of modern football management. His impact on the game transcends ManUtd, and there is a new wave of trainers who are inclined towards his fresh concepts and his trust in young talents.
Conclusion: Ten Hag’s Lasting Impact
Erik Ten Hag´s voyage from the Dutch leagues to the pinnacle of Manchester United is a testimony to his astuteness in the game and his leadership. He had brought in the game new tactical ideas and had the players to press and develop more. He could be a force of change not only at Manchester United but in the English and European domains as well.
Professional club managers and soccer buffs may pick up the following teachings from Ten Hag´s career:
- It is important to have a clear tactical philosophy
- It is an added advantage to be taught in various leagues and exposed to different cultures
- New problems should be met with tiresome persistence
- The development of young talent is crucial
Ten Hag while he serves his term at Manchester United will be watched by me and millions of soccer fans all over the world. We are all super excited about his next episode in this fascinating story. Let it be a coaching guide and an exemplary model in modern football management.