Erik ten Hag’s calm demeanor shows that he was the right choice for Manchester United over Mauricio Pochettino.
That’s according to Carl Anka of The Athletic, who cites a “rare atmosphere of calm” around the club as one reason United’s fortunes have rebounded after a nightmarish start to the season.
Pochettino had been heavily linked to the Red Devils prior to Ten Hag’s appointment and had been among the favorites for the top job at various times over the last half decade.
But United “did right to avoid Pochettino”, and by opting for Ten Hag, United have a manager whose shares are on the rise.
As Anka points out, Brendan Rodgers, Massimiliano Allegri and Pochettino were considered as possible replacements for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but they have all fallen on hard times since then.
What impressed The Athletic reporter about Ten Hag was his ability to steady United’s ship after a rocky start to the league.
Tactical flexibility has been an important factor in doing so.
Anka writes that “United may not be playing like a ‘Ten Hag team’ but the Dutchman have found a way to win four successive Premier League games.”
In fact, Old Trafford have seen more counter-attacking football than many might have expected before the start of the season, with some apparent similarities between this side and Solskjaer’s side.
United have often chosen to favor quick transitions at key moments this season, but signs of Ten Hag principles are also showing.
Patience in possession and overload bait-and-switch plays have been features of United’s game plans this season.
But it will take time, training and transfers before the style of play more closely resembles Ten Hag’s ideal.
For now, the manager has displayed a pragmatic nature to go along with his calm authority and Manchester United are seeing the benefits of those qualities.
