Erik ten Hag's Premier League campaign at Manchester United doomed to repeat familiar mistakes

Erik ten Hag’s fresh start at Manchester United is already growing stale before their season gets started. The Dutchman arrived to replace Ralf Rangnick with many fans finally relieved that a permanent manager with a modern outlook on the game had been appointed.

Ad/> Before, there were reasons for optimism, even if each tenure ultimately failed. Louis van Gaal had decades of experience at the top, Jose Mourinho had won almost everything that was on offer in the years before his arrival at Old Trafford, and even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sparked some optimism when he improved the mood amongst the players and briefly had them enjoying themselves on the pitch.

TransfersMan Utd linked with Bologna forward Arnautovic — reports3 HOURS AGO While there were flashes of success under each of the three, those moments were too brief and ultimately they were doomed to failure because of Ed Woodward’s determination to redefine failure. Every manager was promised players that would arrive, and each manager was stuck with players who were reluctant to go because they were on ludicrous wages and were not good enough to attract bids from the best clubs, because they were underperforming.

Football news — LIVE Martinelli and a Guehi own goal hands Arsenal hard-fought opening day win against Palace 'Saliba was superb' — Arteta praises Frenchman after Premier League debut Phil Jones, after all, is still at the club and there appears to be no hope of him leaving until his contract expires. Even then it would be no surprise to see him turn up at Carrington in the summer of 2023 and be given fresh terms, because whichever manager happens to be in charge has doubts the executive team can actually sign players.