Having won three Premier League games in a row, Erik ten Hag has earned praise from across the football world for his speedy recovery.
Manchester United had lost their first two games under the new manager in defeats indicative of last season’s atmosphere and performances.
Ralf Rangnick was unable to steady the ship following Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s sacking last season, but had lined up to become a consultant this summer.
Many fans were excited about this prospect, given the German’s previous success in adding modern structures to clubs.
At ten Hag’s first press conference, the Dutchman, in his usual laconic manner, suggested he was unwilling to interact with Rangnick on a constant basis: “That’s at the club.”
Following Rangnick’s appointment as head coach of the Austrian national team, he resigned from his advisory role at United.
Ten Hag, at the time, had already appointed Steve McClaren as his assistant: the Englishman was expected to act as a sounding board and bridge between United and the manager. Since then, he has been noted for his positive activity in training camp.
McClaren’s ability to advise ten Hag stems from his vast experience in English football (including his role as manager in United’s treble-winning season) coupled with spells in Europe with FC Twente and Wolfsburg.
However, Ten Hag has revealed that he has hired a fairly prominent, if not obvious, United legend as a consultant.
Speaking to Sky Sports News about Sir Alex Ferguson, ten Hag said: “I talk to him [Ferguson]and we’re happy with that, so are your advisers.
“We are grateful, but now we have to build a new future that is also clear.”
Using Ferguson as a consultant could be a wise move for ten Hag, who has entered the world of the Premier League. He must also acclimate to United’s chaotic inner workings and their overwhelming size and expectations.
Furthermore, Ferguson was noted for his antagonistic view of the British press. With ten Hag already acquiring a history of ‘humiliation’, Ferguson could help the former Ajax manager navigate treacherous media pitch.
Ten Hag’s statement that United “have to build a new future” also inspires optimism that he will try to modernize a football giant in decline. His instant dismissal of Rangnick may have caused some fans to worry about the club’s aim to revamp its sporting operation.
CEO Richard Arnold also recruited Ferguson as part of a new “think tank” consisting of David Gill, Bryan Robson, John Murtough and the legendary Scotsman.
Ferguson’s new and varied roles at United can only indicate that Ten Hag and the club want to reaffirm footballing values.
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