Ten Hag's Anástasis at Manchester United

The 2024–25 season for Manchester United, under the stewardship of manager Erik ten Hag, was a campaign of stark contrasts, ultimately culminating in a paradoxical legacy. Marked by an abysmal opening phase that plunged the club to unprecedented depths in the Premier League, the season dramatically transformed into a period of remarkable resurgence and silverware acquisition. This unexpected turnaround, often dubbed Ten Hag's 'Anástasis' – a term signifying a revival or resurrection – saw the Dutch manager navigate intense pressure and fan discontent to secure both European and domestic cup triumphs, before ultimately departing Old Trafford at the end of his three-year tenure. While the season concluded with Ten Hag stepping down, it nonetheless etched a complex and debated chapter in the annals of Manchester United's storied history.

Early Season Turmoil

The initial months of the 2024–25 Premier League season were nothing short of disastrous for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag. Pre-season optimism, fueled by summer signings and tactical tweaks, evaporated rapidly as the team stumbled out of the gates. A series of demoralizing defeats and unconvincing performances saw the club languish at the foot of the league table, provoking widespread alarm and igniting fervent speculation about Ten Hag's immediate future at the helm. This period of profound instability tested the resilience of the squad and the unwavering faith of the United faithful.

League Form and Descent

By the commencement of October 2024, Manchester United occupied the 14th position in the Premier League standings, a nadir for a club of their stature and historical pedigree. This dismal ranking was not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of deep-seated issues plaguing the team's on-field displays. Defensive frailties, a lack of cohesion in midfield, and anemic attacking output characterized their early season fixtures. Losses mounted against both established rivals and less fancied opponents, each setback further eroding confidence and amplifying the scrutiny on Ten Hag's tactical approach and man-management skills. The once hallowed grounds of Old Trafford became a stage for anxiety and frustration, a far cry from the fortress it was once renowned to be. The spectre of relegation, however remote, began to flicker in the minds of worried supporters, a testament to the depth of the early season crisis.

Mounting Pressure and Speculation

The protracted spell of poor results ignited a firestorm of criticism directed squarely at Erik ten Hag. Media outlets, fan forums, and football pundits alike dissected every facet of United's decline, with many questioning the manager's tactical acumen, transfer dealings, and ability to motivate a squad seemingly bereft of inspiration. Calls for his dismissal grew louder with each passing week, as social media platforms became echo chambers of discontent. The pressure on Ten Hag intensified exponentially, fueled by the club's lofty expectations and the unforgiving nature of modern football management. Whispers of potential replacements began to circulate, casting a long shadow over Ten Hag's daily operations and creating an atmosphere of palpable uncertainty within the club. The shadow of managerial instability loomed large, threatening to derail any prospect of recovery.

The Shifting Tide

Against a backdrop of mounting negativity and seemingly insurmountable odds, Manchester United orchestrated a remarkable reversal of fortune as the calendar turned towards the new year. A combination of tactical adjustments, renewed player determination, and a degree of fortuitous momentum propelled the team on an unexpected upward trajectory. This period of transformation, commencing in late autumn and extending through the winter months, witnessed United rediscover their competitive edge and gradually climb their way back into the upper echelons of the Premier League table. The 'Anástasis' was underway, defying the grim predictions of the preceding months.

Premier League Ascendancy

The initial spark of recovery ignited with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Aston Villa, a match that served as a crucial turning point in United's season. This win, secured through grit and resilience rather than outright dominance, instilled a newfound belief within the squad. It was followed by another slender 2–1 triumph against West Ham United, further solidifying the nascent momentum. However, it was the seismic upset victory over arch-rivals Liverpool in early 2025 that truly signaled United's resurgence. This emotionally charged win, achieved against the odds and amidst a cauldron of atmosphere at Anfield Anfield, propelled United into the top half of the Premier League, occupying 8th place as the new year dawned. The narrative had shifted dramatically, from one of impending crisis to one of burgeoning optimism. The specter of relegation had been banished, replaced by aspirations of European qualification.

Tactical Reconfiguration and Player Rejuvenation

The turnaround in Manchester United's fortunes was not solely attributable to luck or chance; it was underpinned by tangible changes in both tactical approach and player performance. Erik ten Hag, under immense pressure to adapt and innovate, implemented subtle but significant alterations to his team's setup. A greater emphasis was placed on defensive solidity, with a more disciplined and compact midfield structure designed to shield the backline. Simultaneously, attacking fluidity was encouraged through the deployment of inverted wingers and dynamic forward movements, unlocking previously dormant creative potential. Furthermore, key players who had struggled in the early part of the season experienced a renaissance in form. The likes of Bruno Fernandes Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford Marcus Rashford, and Raphaël Varane Raphaël Varane rediscovered their best levels, providing the leadership and quality necessary to drive the team forward. This confluence of tactical refinement and player rejuvenation proved to be the catalyst for United's remarkable ascent.

Europa League Zenith

Parallel to their domestic league recovery, Manchester United embarked on a captivating journey through the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League UEFA Europa League. This campaign, initially viewed as a secondary objective in light of their Premier League struggles, gradually assumed greater significance as United progressed through each round, demonstrating resilience, tactical adaptability, and a growing sense of collective purpose. The culmination of this European odyssey was a dramatic final showdown against AS Roma AS Roma held at the San Mamés Stadium San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao Bilbao. This fixture would become a defining moment in Ten Hag's tenure and a testament to the team's newfound resolve.

Road to Bilbao

United's path to the Europa League final was fraught with challenges, requiring them to overcome a series of formidable opponents from across the continent. Victories against Real Betis Real Betis, Feyenoord Feyenoord, and Bayer Leverkusen Bayer Leverkusen showcased their ability to navigate diverse tactical approaches and perform under pressure in high-stakes environments. Each knockout round presented unique hurdles, demanding tactical flexibility and mental fortitude. Away trips to hostile stadiums and encounters with defensively astute teams tested United's resolve, but they consistently found ways to prevail, demonstrating a growing maturity and European pedigree. The Europa League campaign served as a crucible, forging a stronger and more unified team capable of competing at the highest level.

The San Mamés Showdown

The Europa League final against Roma at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao was an encounter of gripping drama and fluctuating fortunes. Manchester United seized the initiative in the first half, taking the lead through a well-taken goal by the young Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho Alejandro Garnacho. United maintained their advantage into the second half, appearing to be in control of proceedings. However, Roma, renowned for their tactical discipline and resilience under pressure, mounted a spirited comeback. They equalized midway through the second half, shifting the momentum of the match. As the game entered its final stages, Roma struck again in the 85th minute, seemingly delivering a decisive blow and edging closer to victory. The United contingent appeared deflated, facing the prospect of defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. Yet, in the dying embers of regulation time, a dramatic twist unfolded. A Roma defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area, gifting Manchester United a lifeline. Bruno Fernandes, ice-cool under immense pressure, stepped up and converted the penalty, leveling the score at 2–2 and forcing the final into extra time. The added period of play was a tense and attritional affair, with both teams exhibiting signs of fatigue but refusing to yield. Ultimately, it was the young Danish striker Rasmus Højlund Rasmus Højlund who emerged as the hero, scoring a decisive goal in extra time to seal a 3–2 victory for Manchester United. The San Mamés erupted in scenes of jubilation as United clinched the Europa League title, a remarkable triumph that underscored their season's improbable transformation.

Domestic Cup Glory and League Standing

The Europa League victory was not an isolated peak in Manchester United's season but rather a component of a broader resurgence that extended to domestic competitions. Ten Hag's men carried their newfound momentum into the latter stages of the FA Cup FA Cup and maintained a consistent level of performance in the Premier League, ultimately securing a respectable league finish and adding further silverware to their trophy cabinet. This sustained success in both cup and league formats underscored the depth of their turnaround and solidified the narrative of Ten Hag's 'Anástasis'.

FA Cup Conquest

Manchester United's FA Cup campaign mirrored their Europa League journey, characterized by resilience and overcoming challenges en route to the final. After navigating the earlier rounds, they faced Aston Villa once more in the FA Cup final held at Wembley Stadium Wembley Stadium. This encounter proved to be a far more one-sided affair than their previous league meeting. United unleashed a dominant attacking display, dismantling Aston Villa's defense and securing a resounding 4–0 victory. This emphatic win secured the FA Cup title for Manchester United, marking Ten Hag's second major domestic trophy in as many seasons and further embellishing the season's overall success story. The FA Cup triumph served as a tangible testament to the team's progress and underlined their ability to perform on the grandest stages.

Premier League Consolidation

While the Europa League and FA Cup triumphs provided the season's highlights, Manchester United also achieved a notable degree of consolidation in the Premier League. Their sustained run of improved form in the latter half of the campaign propelled them to a final league position of 5th. This finish, while falling short of Champions League qualification, represented a significant improvement from their early season predicament and secured a return to the Europa League for the subsequent season. Given the depths of their initial struggles, a 5th-place finish was viewed by many as a commendable achievement, underscoring the magnitude of their mid-season turnaround. It provided a platform for future growth and stability, albeit under a new managerial regime.

Legacy and Succession

Despite the undeniable success of the 2024–25 season, culminating in two major trophies and a respectable league finish, Erik ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United concluded with his departure at the end of the campaign. This decision, described as mutual by club sources, marked the end of a three-year period characterized by both turbulence and triumph. Ten Hag's legacy at Old Trafford remains a subject of considerable debate and diverse interpretations among fans and club historians.

A Complex Appraisal

The appraisal of Erik ten Hag's legacy at Manchester United is far from straightforward. On the one hand, he delivered tangible silverware, ending the club's trophy drought and securing multiple cup titles. He oversaw a period of tactical evolution and player development, particularly during the latter part of his tenure. The 'Anástasis' season of 2024–25 stands as a testament to his ability to navigate adversity and orchestrate a remarkable turnaround. However, his reign was also punctuated by periods of inconsistency, tactical questions, and moments of strained relationships with certain players. The early season struggles of 2024–25 cast a long shadow, and some critics argue that the underlying issues were merely masked, rather than fully resolved, by the subsequent upturn in form. Fan opinion on Ten Hag remains divided, with some acknowledging his achievements and resilience, while others emphasize the periods of underperformance and tactical limitations. Ultimately, his legacy is likely to be viewed as a complex and somewhat paradoxical chapter in Manchester United's history, marked by both notable successes and unfulfilled potential.

The Amorim Era

In the wake of Ten Hag's departure, Manchester United swiftly announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim Ruben Amorim, the highly-rated manager of Sporting Lisbon Sporting Lisbon, as his successor. Amorim, known for his progressive tactical approach and track record of success in Portugal Portugal, was identified as the ideal candidate to build upon the foundations laid by Ten Hag and usher in a new era at Old Trafford. His appointment was met with considerable optimism and anticipation among fans, who hoped that he could further refine United's playing style, challenge for major honors, and restore the club to its former glories. Amorim officially assumed his duties on July 1st, 2025, marking the commencement of a new chapter in Manchester United's ongoing narrative.