Manchester United, which is in flux, has recently fallen into a trough, and fans are boiling with worries. In this unique football arena, the team's miserable record of 1 win and 2 goals in the last 5 games is shocking. However, when Ten Hag's managerial fortunes came into focus, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle was eye-popping – the hefty €15 million liquidated damages, which seemed to be an impregnable wall that prevented him from being sacked. However, is the wall truly impregnable and will it be the last piece of the puzzle for Ten Hag to remain in office?
Off the pitch, Ten Hag's style of coaching is distinctive. He is not only a manager, but also a "big brother" to the players, wrapping the team's sluggish performance with praise. The players had his back, and even though the results were like a dark night sky, the atmosphere in the dressing room was warm and harmonious. This distinctive leadership style became a secret to Ten Hag's stay. In the team's difficult moments, he is like a visionary leader, consolidating the team's cohesion.
However, United are now in a quagmire of not being able to find their next ideal manager. The team has become a "black hole for managers and stars", and while sacking Ten Hag may not be complicated, it will be difficult to find a real fit. The original star-studded team now seems to be immersed in an endless fog, expecting a true guide.
Returning to the subject of liquidated damages, the high numbers may be a big reason for Ten Hag's retention in the managerial position. Perhaps, the club's hierarchy believes that this huge amount of money is an insurance policy for Manchester United's coaching responsibilities and is not easy to activate. However, this is in stark contrast to the sluggish performances of the two players brought in,1The transfer fee of 800 million euros has paid little dividends, which makes one wonder if the tower is really worth such expensive maintenance
All in all, United's recent slump, and Ten Hag's retention, are surrounded by a complex mystery of numbers, player support and the manager market. Perhaps, it will take more time to solve this mystery, and the team itself will need to find a path to a resurgence. Manchester United, the traditional football giant, are struggling to find the secret recipe for its past glory, and at the moment, it seems that this will not be easy.