When Manchester United plays rival Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, Erik ten Hag's first season as manager will come to an end after a relentless and taxing 61-game season thus far. With a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday, the Reds completed their league schedule and finished the season in a solid third place.
That meant that, after a season in the Europa League, they had done more than enough to ensure their return to the Champions League for the next one. To everyone's satisfaction, Old Trafford will once more host Europe's top talents on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the upcoming academic year.
In addition to finishing in the top four and earning a spot in the Champions League this year, Manchester United also broke a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup in February after defeating Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley. Any United fan would have snapped your hand off if you had promised them a top-four finish and a major trophy at the beginning of the season.
Nevertheless, United still have one game left in the domestic season and might end Ten Hag's first season in charge by winning another championship. You can never rule anything out in football, especially not in a cup final, despite how challenging it will be to stop City and end their ambitions of winning the triple.
Whatever happens at the capital's championship game on Saturday, everyone connected to United is confident that they are once again headed in the right direction. Even while the continuing takeover dispute continues to be an unwelcome obstacle, they are finally back on the right track after a decade of moving backwards and stuttering.
But in the face of that disaster, Ten Hag has led by example and given the fan base new hope since he is driven by a hunger for victory and success. The fans were aware that this year would be one of change and were ready to face the possibility that preseason goals would not have been attained.
However, some are daring to hope that the Reds might be poised to conclude the season with two domestic cups and a top-four finish as we approach the first weekend of June. The change from a year ago is astounding, and it all stems from having the appropriate person in charge of it all.
After an excellent five years at Ajax, where he won six trophies, including three league crowns, Ten Hag was transferred to United. He had a winning attitude, and United needed that to try to change a dysfunctional locker room where everyone had grown accustomed to seeing others thrive.
United feels far closer to their next league title than they did before Ten Hag's arrival, despite the fact that their last one was won ten years ago. Arsenal was a step above the others this season, but they faded as the finish line came into view. Nevertheless, they helped City and Liverpool compete for the trophy in an exciting manner. But among the rest, United stood out as the finest.
With that in mind, Ten Hag may easily disregard prudence the next year; but, by adding a few players to his roster, he should aim to create a serious title challenge for United. Instead, he made a suggestion that before making the title charge that so many supporters are so eager to see, he anticipates slow but steady growth.
"We don't want to stay here; we want to go higher up, we want to increase our levels and compete for the top two," Ten Hag stated. "We have to demand more and increase our levels."
Although a top-two finish is both a sensible and measured strategy, a title charge seems more daring and inspiring. United still have a lot to accomplish before Ten Hag believes they are ready to be taken seriously as rivals.
When you step back and consider it, you realize that it is a wise viewpoint. To return United to the top, modest steps are necessary.
It also perfectly illustrates why Ten Hag was chosen by United because he is a voice of reason and leadership. He sets a good example, and he is without a doubt the best managerial choice made by United since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
After changing managers frequently in the years following Ferguson in an attempt to find quick success, United required a plan and clear leadership. Although this approach might take some time to work, it already seems like the wait will be worthwhile.
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