Van Gaal speaks out about Ten Hag's future at Man Utd

Van Gaal was asked by Sky Sports about the situation at Manchester United during an event. The former manager of the English giants agreed that Ten Hag deserves more time.

"Of course, but I also needed more time during my period. I also won the FA Cup. In the twenty years before, no one had won the FA Cup with Manchester United," said Van Gaal, who exaggerated a bit: the Red Devils also won the cup in 1996, 1999, and 2004. He himself was the manager at Manchester United from July 2014 to May 2016.

With his comment about success in the FA Cup tournament, the former Dutch national team coach overlooked the fact that United won the league championship eleven times in those twenty years Van Gaal mentioned. It has been a long time since United were further from the league title than in the past season. Ten Hag's team finished eighth.

Van Gaal continued: "Now Erik has won the FA Cup, after already qualifying for the Champions League in his first season. So I don't think you should fire him. He needs more time. But I can also be more critical. He hasn't done fantastically. He has received a lot of criticism, but he has also shown that he is a good manager."

Van Gaal’s tenure at Manchester United was marked by similar challenges, where despite winning the FA Cup in 2016, he was dismissed shortly after. His experience resonates with the current situation Ten Hag faces, highlighting the intense pressure and high expectations that come with managing a club of United's stature. The FA Cup victory was a significant achievement for Ten Hag, marking a milestone in his career at Old Trafford and providing a sense of hope for the future.

However, Van Gaal pointed out that the club's recent struggles to compete for the Premier League title indicate deeper issues that cannot be resolved overnight. The former manager emphasized that Ten Hag's accomplishments, including the FA Cup win and Champions League qualification, should be viewed as steps in the right direction rather than the ultimate solution to the club's problems.

Ten Hag's contract, which runs until mid-2025, suggests that the club's management is willing to give him more time to implement his vision and strategies. His recent comments in an exclusive interview reflect his commitment to improving the team's performance and addressing the challenges ahead. As the club prepares for the upcoming season, Ten Hag's ability to navigate these challenges and build on his recent successes will be crucial.

The situation underscores the complexities of managing a top-tier football club, where immediate results are often demanded by fans and management alike. Van Gaal’s support for Ten Hag highlights the need for patience and long-term planning in achieving sustained success. As Manchester United continues its journey, the experiences and insights of former managers like Van Gaal offer valuable lessons in the pursuit of excellence.