Erik ten Hag, undeterred by warnings, embraced the challenge of managing Manchester United, despite being cautioned that it was an “impossible” task. The Dutchman, who secured the Carabao Cup in his inaugural season, has encountered a tumultuous beginning to his second campaign with the club.

In the first 15 Premier League games, Manchester United endured six defeats, contributing to a challenging start. Additionally, their path to the Champions League knockout stages is fraught with difficulty, with one group game remaining.

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Reflecting on the skepticism surrounding his decision, ten Hag shared, “Everyone was telling me, ‘you can’t succeed in that job.’ They said it was impossible. Me? I wanted the challenge.” Undaunted by the obstacles ahead, he recognized the difficulty but was drawn to the prospect of managing such a prestigious club with a passionate fanbase.

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“I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was such a great club with such a great fanbase. People love Manchester United, or they are against Manchester United. I like clubs like this. Ajax was like this,” expressed ten Hag in an interview with the United We Stand fanzine.

With a determination to tackle the difficulties head-on and a deep appreciation for the fervent support surrounding Manchester United, ten Hag remains committed to facing the challenges and leaving his mark on the storied club. The journey, though arduous, carries with it the allure of managing a club that evokes strong emotions, a challenge that he willingly accepted against the odds.