"I will fight for my ideas," said Erik ten Hag following Manchester United's defeat in the FA Cup final at the beginning of June.
The campaign might have ended in disappointment with a defeat against Manchester City at Wembley, but Ten Hag still enjoyed an excellent first year at the club and the new season signalled the next stage of his rebuild.
Ten Hag sometimes compromised his principles for results and the signing of Andre Onana promised to have a transformational impact on build-up play, which suggested that would no longer be necessary.
United were expected to progress again this season, particularly with how Ten Hag wanted his side to play. His successful Ajax team played a possession-based, attractive and efficient style and every player knew their role. ALSO READ: United receive injury boost with Amad update ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag is not helping himself But November is just around the corner and that description couldn't be further from what the team currently is.