“They Can Appoint As Many Managers As They Want, But No Progress Will Be Made Until That Changes!” – Ex-Manchester United Boss Erik ten Hag Names the ONE Change That Will Transform the Club’s Future
For years, Manchester United has been stuck in a frustrating cycle of managerial changes, false dawns, and unfulfilled promises. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary reign ended in 2013, the club has gone through a carousel of managers—David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and most recently, Erik ten Hag. But despite the vast resources, marquee signings, and tactical adjustments, United still finds itself struggling to reclaim its past dominance.
Now, former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has delivered a brutally honest verdict on what is holding the club back. Speaking candidly, Ten Hag dismissed the idea that simply changing managers would solve United’s problems. Instead, he pinpointed a single, fundamental issue that must be addressed before the club can return to its former glory.
“They can appoint as many managers as they want, but no progress will be made until that is changed,” Ten Hag declared. But what exactly is the ONE change he believes United desperately needs?
According to Ten Hag, the club’s football structure and decision-making process is completely flawed. He hinted that without a proper sporting director and a clear, long-term vision, United will continue to spiral into mediocrity no matter who sits in the dugout. Over the years, key football decisions have been influenced by commercial interests rather than sporting priorities, leaving managers powerless to build a cohesive, winning squad.
United’s chaotic transfer strategy, inconsistent recruitment, and lack of footballing identity have been the root cause of their downfall. Unlike clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, where recruitment and footballing philosophies align, United still operates with a short-term mentality, throwing money at problems rather than fixing them at the core.
This isn’t the first time a former United manager has spoken out about the club’s dysfunctional structure. Mourinho previously warned that United lacked a solid foundation for success, while Ralf Rangnick famously called for “open-heart surgery” at the club. Yet, years later, the same problems persist.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group now taking charge of football operations, there is hope that change may finally come. But will United finally break free from their self-inflicted misery? Or will the club continue to make the same mistakes, expecting different results?
One thing is certain—until the core issue is fixed, United will remain stuck in a cycle of failure, regardless of who
the manager is.