Manchester United will launch their latest attempt at a reset on Monday when their non- international players return for the start of pre-season training.
The former coach has accepted the challenge of becoming the fifth permanent manager to try to restore the club to their former glory.
There is a feeling of uneasiness among fans. While some bids have been made and interest expressed, no signings have been made to replace the players who have left or are departing.
There is unhappiness with the family that owns United. Richard Arnold had to head off a planned protest by some fans at his house by meeting them in a local pub and admitting the club had burned the best part of $1 billion.
It isn't the best place for Ten Hag to begin his work, as he will have to travel to Thailand, Australia, and Norway before the start of the league season.
The sixth place finish and the trophy-less run extended to a fifth season for United last season.
After a disagreement over the captaincy, the squad was split into two.
The German was barely on speaking terms with the man who made him the football director.
Too many players failed to take responsibility for their own performance, and Rangnick didn't think he got the support he needed.
It may have gone down well with the media and fans, but Murtough didn't think it was a good idea to express the observations in a press conference.
It was a humiliation for United to be beaten by four in their last game. Ten Hag was in the stands at Crystal Palace for the final day of the match. That was also lost by United.
Many players have been linked with United.
There is one that stands out above the others. When Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm, the recruitment department knew which player he wanted the most.
If the number one option was taken, targets in other positions would be accepted.
They feel the same way about Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag and the Dutch player were at the same club. He knows that he would be perfect for the plans that the manager has for the team.
It has been established that the alternatives do not fit the template.
Ten Hag wants to strengthen a number of positions. There is a feeling that the new manager will be operating from a weaker position if De Dutch is not part of the package.
Depending on who you listen to, United have either been left at the beginning of the transfer market by Manchester City or they have been able to negotiate the best deals with other clubs.
Both availability and cost can be found in De Jong. The attraction of keeping his family in London, where they prefer to be, is one of the reasons why Christian Eriksen is a target for a number of clubs.
Another attacker who can operate across a variety of positions is what United wants. Antony missed the first day of training with the Dutch club, which has led to talk of a move.
Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller are being sold to other teams, so United are aware of the strong financial position of the team.
Murtough, who is directing transfer operations, and his team that is talking will definitely reach a successful conclusion.
There is a lot of work ahead of the players if there is a sense of familiarity.
MarcusRashford's form, like his club's as a whole, has collapsed.
Videos and pictures from a trip to the Nike campus in Portland have been uploaded to social media.
This is a positive sign for a player who is good enough to play over 300 times for United, scoring 93 goals and earning 46 England caps despite not being 25 yet.
He is viewed by the club as part of their plans but he needs to do more to impress Ten Hag.
There is more than one person who is on his own. There are a lot of United players who need to perform. Jadon and Raphael didn't manage it in their first campaigns.
They have something to prove to a greater or lesser degree.
If United received an acceptable offer, Anthony Martial is likely to be sold. Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are not going to be part of United's plans next season.
Ten Hag said at his news conference that he could get more out of United's players. He will have to.
There are things at United that are positive.
Alejandro Garnacho, the star of the FA Youth Cup winning squad, has already been called up for the first time.
Tunisia, who have qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, have a young man named Hannibal Mejbri who has made a positive impression.
Ten Hag is likely to make an assessment about their short-term prospects before the season starts.
When Ten Hag met the media for the first time last month, he was asked a question that stuck with him.
Was the 52 year old putting his reputation at risk by taking on this challenge? Ten Hag didn't say yes. Over the past few years, most people who have been around the area would say that's not true.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
