The Reason Why Ten Hag is Still at Manchester United Despite Poor Results

Erik ten Hag's situation as Manchester United manager has turned into a soap opera with a seemingly inevitable ending. Despite constant rumors of his imminent sacking, the Dutch coach remains in charge, puzzling both fans and the media.

For months, there has been speculation about Ten Hag’s departure. Each defeat or inconsistent performance by the team has been interpreted as yet another sign of the looming end of his tenure at Old Trafford. The loss to Tottenham was seen as the trigger for an ultimatum that, apparently, hasn’t been enforced.

The decision to extend Ten Hag's contract a year earlier was initially viewed as a sign of confidence from the board. However, it’s now being interpreted as a strategy to avoid an even higher severance package.

A Numbers Problem

The figures are clear: sacking Ten Hag would deal another financial blow to Manchester United, which has already spent millions in compensation for managers like José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Louis van Gaal, and David Moyes.

This raises questions about the club’s financial management. Why wasn’t a decision about Ten Hag’s future made earlier? Why have there been so many managerial changes in recent years? The answers to these questions are key to understanding Manchester United’s current situation.

The Consequences of Erratic Management

The instability on the bench has negatively impacted the team’s performance and eroded fans' confidence. Additionally, the high cost of severance packages has limited the club’s ability to invest in quality signings.

It’s clear that Manchester United needs a long-term sporting project and institutional stability to compete at the highest level again. While Ten Hag’s departure seems inevitable, it’s just one step in what appears to be a long and complex rebuilding process.