A key characteristic of successful management in football is the ability to inspire unwavering commitment from players. Unfortunately, Erik ten Hag appears to be struggling to achieve this level of loyalty and cohesion at Manchester United. His tenure so far has been marked by challenges in fostering a fully unified and motivated squad.
In contrast, managers such as Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City have excelled in creating cohesive teams that perform consistently at the highest level. Arteta’s efforts have turned Arsenal into serious title contenders, while Guardiola’s track record speaks for itself, with Manchester City dominating domestic and European competitions.
Similarly, Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool was defined by a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among his players, which translated into remarkable achievements on the pitch. Arne Slot, currently making waves with his team, is another example of a manager capable of nurturing a positive team environment and getting the best out of his squad.
One area where ten Hag may face criticism is his ability to connect effectively with players and fans through his communication. In interviews, such as a recent one posted by beIN Sports on X (formerly Twitter), ten Hag often comes across as rigid and somewhat mechanical.
His English, though functional, sometimes lacks fluency and expressiveness, which can make his delivery feel less compelling. This can impact how his messages are perceived, potentially undermining his ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm.
While ten Hag’s tactical acumen is widely acknowledged, management in modern football demands more than just technical expertise. The ability to build trust, foster relationships, and create a sense of shared purpose among players is equally important.
Managers like Arteta, Guardiola, and Klopp have mastered this aspect, allowing them to extract maximum effort and commitment from their squads. Their success highlights the importance of combining strategic thinking with emotional intelligence and effective communication.
For ten Hag, bridging the gap between his tactical vision and the personal connections required to motivate his players may be key to turning Manchester United’s fortunes around. Building a unified squad requires more than just strategy; it demands an approach that resonates with players on a deeper level.
Whether ten Hag can adapt and develop this dimension of his leadership remains to be seen, but it could be pivotal to his success at Old Trafford.
