Manchester United were right to prioritise Erik ten Hag over Antonio Conte

A year ago this week Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as Manchester United manager was unravelling at breakneck speed. This time 12 months ago United had lost to Leicester City and would finish the week beaten 5-0 by Liverpool at Old Trafford.

It still feels incredulous that Solskjaer could survive that humiliation, limping on another four weeks and four games, until his team were beaten 4-1 at Watford and the game was up.

Perhaps Tottenham are fitting opponents for United on the anniversary of the week when things began to spiral out of control. The reason Solskjaer survived that beating by Liverpool is that United were unconvinced about the candidacy of Antonio Conte, who was available and willing to step in.

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While United prevaricated on the Italian's suitability, Tottenham didn't. Out went Nuno Espirito Santo and in came Conte, nearly a month before United settled on the disastrous Ralf Rangnick as a placeholder.

It sums up the mess that became of last season and one of the endless debates was over whether United were right to pass over Conte, a demanding, combustible manager who would have been the polar opposite to Solskjaer and probably unsuited to what the players needed. Gary Neville has certainly nailed his colours to the mast, convinced United were right not to pursue the former Chelsea manager.

He gets results, however. Since Tottenham appointed Conte on November 2 last year they have amassed 79 points across 38 Premier League games, compared to United's haul of 57 in 37 games.

Even with United having settled on a long-term appointment this summer, Spurs are already seven points ahead of Ten Hag's team, although United do have a game in hand.

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