When Erik ten Hag arrived at Manchester United in May, the new manager was asked by one of the coaching staff how he would like to be addressed.
Ten Hag thought about the question for a moment. ‘Well,’ he said. ‘You know I’m the boss, and I know I’m the boss, so call me what you want.’ Nearly eight months on and no one at United is in any doubt that Ten Hag is the boss.
The Dutchman has stamped his authority on this team — this club — in a way that has transformed United from a basket case into a genuine force in English football once again.
Nobody at Manchester United is in any doubt that manager Erik ten Hag (pictured) is in charge
He approaches Saturday’s 189th Manchester derby on a run of 11 wins in 12 games, knowing that victory would see United climb to within one point of Manchester City.
That’s easier said than done, of course. Ten Hag suffered a brutal 6-3 defeat at the hands of his old boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad in October, and City are capable of inflicting similar damage again.
Regardless of the result, however, United will reach the halfway point of the season in significantly better health than when Ten Hag took over. The 52-year-old walked into a toxic dressing room and a club desperately in need of new direction after nearly 10 years of turmoil.
He has made some big decisions, like benching his captain Harry Maguire, and spent a club record £220million on signings in one window alone.
Nothing has defined Ten Hag’s tenure more than his handling of the Cristiano Ronaldo saga
He imposed a new code of discipline and has improved the players he inherited, fostering a sense of togetherness that had been lost.
Nothing has defined Ten Hag’s tenure more than his handling of the Cristiano Ronaldo saga. The Portugal star wanted to leave even before his new manager stepped through the door, and that was a daunting scenario for any coach.
For Ten Hag, it was the ultimate test but also the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker to the rest of the squad. Winning that battle was a crucial lesson for a group of players used to their superstars being indulged — no one is above Ten Hag’s law.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there was always a sense of double standards that bred discontent. A blind eye was turned to the likes of Ronaldo and Paul Pogba. There can be no exceptions for Ten Hag. No preferential treatment. Discipline is paramount, even if it weakens the team.
When Marcus Rashford overslept on the morning of…