Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, has been on a rollercoaster journey since his arrival at Old Trafford. From the highs of restoring a winning mentality to dealing with the mounting pressure that comes with managing one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, the Dutchman has had to rely on key players to turn the tide in his favor.
In a candid interview, Ten Hag has openly praised two specific Manchester United stars, acknowledging their critical role in saving his tenure at the club. “I’m always happy seeing them on the ball,” he said with a smile, adding, “They are the best players in England currently.” These two players, according to Ten Hag, have not only saved him from the threat of being sacked but also represent the heart of United’s resurgence under his leadership.
This article explores who these two players are, how they have been instrumental in Ten Hag’s success at Manchester United, and why the manager holds them in such high regard.
The Pressure of Managing Manchester United
Managing Manchester United comes with immense pressure. The club’s history is filled with triumphs, from the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson to its multiple Premier League titles and European successes. However, in the years since Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United has struggled to consistently challenge for major honors, leading to a revolving door of managers who couldn’t quite restore the club to its former dominance.
When Erik ten Hag took over in the summer of 2022, expectations were high. The former Ajax boss was brought in to instill a sense of discipline and tactical acumen, which had been missing from United’s performances in previous seasons. Despite a rocky start, Ten Hag has slowly but surely turned things around, guiding Manchester United back to the Champions League and making them competitive in the Premier League once again.
However, managing a club like Manchester United means that the margin for error is slim. There were moments during Ten Hag’s tenure when his position came under scrutiny, with poor performances threatening to derail his project. It was during these critical junctures that two players stepped up and played crucial roles in saving not only the club’s fortunes but also their manager’s job.
The Two Players Who Saved Ten Hag
So, who are these two Manchester United stars that Erik ten Hag believes have been instrumental in saving him from the sack? The first is Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese midfielder and captain who has been a driving force for the club since his arrival in January 2020. The second is Marcus Rashford, the homegrown forward who has rediscovered his best form under Ten Hag’s guidance.
Together, Fernandes and Rashford have become the pillars of Ten Hag’s Manchester United project, combining flair, intelligence, and work ethic to carry the team through difficult moments. Let’s take a closer look at how each player has contributed to saving Ten Hag’s tenure.
Bruno Fernandes: The Midfield Maestro
Since joining Manchester United from Sporting CP, Bruno Fernandes has been a transformative figure for the club. His creativity, vision, and leadership qualities have made him one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. Under Ten Hag, Fernandes has continued to flourish, taking on even more responsibility as the team’s captain.
Fernandes’ ability to dictate the tempo of the game and provide key passes has been crucial for United’s attacking play. Whether it’s threading through balls to the forwards or finding pockets of space to exploit, Fernandes is at the heart of almost every meaningful Manchester United attack. His set-piece deliveries have also been a constant threat, adding another dimension to United’s play.
What sets Fernandes apart is not just his technical ability but his mentality. He demands the best from his teammates and isn’t afraid to take risks on the pitch. This attitude has endeared him to both the fans and his manager. Ten Hag has spoken frequently about Fernandes’ leadership qualities, praising the midfielder for his willingness to take responsibility and push the team forward during tough periods.
It was Fernandes who often pulled the strings during crucial games when United needed to dig deep for a result. His performances in big matches, such as his game-winning assists and goals in key fixtures, helped United maintain their position in the top four and remain competitive in cup competitions. Without his influence, it’s easy to imagine Manchester United struggling far more than they have under Ten Hag.
Marcus Rashford: The Local Hero Reborn
Marcus Rashford has always been a fan favorite at Old Trafford, having come through the club’s youth academy to become one of the most exciting forwards in world football. However, before Ten Hag’s arrival, Rashford experienced a dip in form, leading to questions about his future at Manchester United. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and confidence issues plagued the England international, but everything changed when Ten Hag took over.
Under Ten Hag, Rashford has been reborn. The Dutch manager has revitalized Rashford’s game, giving him the confidence and tactical framework to thrive again. Whether playing as a left winger or a central striker, Rashford has been lethal in front of goal, regularly finding the back of the net with precision and flair.
In the 2022-2023 season, Rashford enjoyed one of his most prolific campaigns, scoring crucial goals in both domestic and European competitions. His pace, dribbling ability, and finishing have made him a nightmare for opposition defenders. Rashford’s newfound consistency has been a game-changer for Manchester United, providing the team with a reliable goal-scoring outlet in tight matches.
One of the most significant aspects of Rashford’s resurgence under Ten Hag has been his ability to deliver in clutch moments. Whether United needed a goal to salvage a point or win a match, Rashford often came up with the goods. His ability to break the deadlock in difficult games was a major factor in United’s success last season and saved Ten Hag from what could have been some very damaging results.
The Best Players in England?
Erik ten Hag’s claim that Fernandes and Rashford are “the best players in England currently” might raise eyebrows, especially considering the wealth of talent in the Premier League. However, it’s clear that Ten Hag values these two players not only for their technical qualities but also for their mentality and leadership on the pitch.
For Ten Hag, Fernandes and Rashford represent everything he wants from his players: commitment, intelligence, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. They are the embodiment of his footballing philosophy, which emphasizes attacking football, quick transitions, and a strong work ethic. When these two players are on the ball, Ten Hag knows that Manchester United is in safe hands.
Why Fernandes and Rashford Have Been Crucial for Ten Hag’s Tenure
The reason Fernandes and Rashford have been so crucial to Erik ten Hag’s success at Manchester United is simple: they deliver when it matters most. Whether it’s unlocking a stubborn defense or scoring a crucial goal, these two players have consistently stepped up in the moments that could make or break a season.
For Ten Hag, having players like Fernandes and Rashford to rely on means he can implement his tactical ideas with confidence. Fernandes’ creativity allows United to play an expansive, possession-based game, while Rashford’s pace and finishing give them the cutting edge in attack. Without these two, United would likely struggle to impose themselves in the way Ten Hag envisions.
Moreover, Fernandes and Rashford have shown that they can lead by example. Fernandes’ leadership as captain has been particularly important in uniting the team during difficult moments, while Rashford’s performances on the pitch have inspired confidence throughout the squad.
The Road Ahead for Manchester United
As Manchester United continues to evolve under Erik ten Hag, the importance of Fernandes and Rashford cannot be overstated. These two players have already proven themselves to be indispensable to Ten Hag’s vision for the club, and their continued success will be key to any future trophies Manchester United hopes to win.
Ten Hag’s praise for Fernandes and Rashford as “the best players in England” reflects the deep trust he has in them to lead Manchester United both on and off the pitch. If they can maintain their high levels of performance, there’s no reason why United cannot challenge for major honors in the coming seasons.
For now, Manchester United fans can rest assured that with Fernandes and Rashford in the team, the future looks bright under Erik ten Hag’s stewardship.