Without Ten Hag, Things Have Improved. Manchester United Is Ready to Change Its Course

The Red Devils defeated Leicester 5-2 in Ruud van Nistelrooy's first game.

Since Erik ten Hag’s departure, Manchester United has shown renewed energy. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who temporarily stepped in as head coach, reminds fans just how dynamic the team can be. In their first match without a permanent manager, the Red Devils easily overcame Leicester in the English League Cup, defeating them with a convincing 5-2 score.

In this game, as if shaking off built-up tension, United played confidently and with a fresh approach, leading fans to wonder whether they need a new coach like Portuguese Ruben Amorim or if van Nistelrooy could bring back the team’s stability and former strength.

A Well-Considered or Hasty Move?

Many saw management’s decision to sack Ten Hag mid-season as spontaneous and not thoroughly thought out. Typically, such changes happen more conveniently, like in the summer or during an international break. However, United opted to speed up the process after seeing Ten Hag’s authority diminish, and the team lost inspiration in his ideas.

According to British sources, van Nistelrooy's appointment as interim head coach was intended to give the club time to find a suitable replacement.

From the start, Ruud seems to have found the key to success. Nevertheless, the club has already announced that they have chosen Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, a promising manager with modern tactics. However, history shows that restructuring a team’s style and philosophy is rarely smooth, raising concerns that a new manager might once again put United in a phase of experimentation.

Minor Adjustments and Inspiration from a Legend

In his first game at the helm, van Nistelrooy’s United displayed a renewed, balanced approach. Despite no significant tactical changes, United stepped onto the pitch with a different energy.

Van Nistelrooy didn’t experiment and stuck to the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Still, he emphasized the players’ strengths, which Ten Hag seemed to overlook. This game demonstrated that a club's rebirth doesn’t always require massive changes. Sometimes, all it takes is someone who can view things with fresh eyes and let players reach their potential. That person appears to be van Nistelrooy — a club legend with undeniable authority, which Ten Hag unfortunately never achieved.

Emotional Boost or Temporary Luck?

The emotional factor played a significant role in the victory. Freed from the tension and strictness of the previous coach, the players appeared transformed: Casemiro, criticized recently for unnecessary aggression, scored the opening goal with a long-range shot, confidently initiated another attack, and displayed excellent vision during the third goal.

As if regaining their freedom, the players took risks and thrilled fans with a confident, high-scoring game. This match highlighted the importance of psychological readiness for a team and the role of trust in a coach.

Of course, this success could be partially due to luck; twice, Leicester nearly equalized, hitting the woodwork. But when comparing this game to previous matches against West Ham or Brentford, it’s clear the team lacked this luck under Ten Hag. The new momentum brought by the former coach’s departure has been the primary driver of changes on the field.

Amorim: The Right Choice or Not?

After this successful match, many fans and experts began to wonder: does United need another manager if the team plays so well under van Nistelrooy? For fans, he’s already a legendary figure — not just a former player but a true club icon. And while Amorim is referred to as the “Portuguese Ten Hag,” van Nistelrooy’s status and authority make him an indisputable figure in the eyes of both the team and the fans.

It’s essential to remember that appointing a coach without sufficient influence and respect in the locker room could spark internal conflicts.

With Ruben Amorim’s arrival, concerns arise that the club may again face a period of adaptation to new methods. Watching United’s confident performance under van Nistelrooy’s temporary leadership, it’s hard not to ask: what if the club’s success depends on him — a man who can inspire and lead through his coaching skills and legendary status at the club?

Published by Patrick Jane
31.10.2024