Ten Hag reached the 100 game mark on the United bench. How does he compare to his predecessors?

Erik ten Hag scored his 100th competitive game on the Manchester United bench in the derby against Manchester City. He ended his first season by winning at least the Carabao Cup. However, this season is not good at all, how is ten Hag doing compared to his predecessors?

Ole Gunnar Solskjær

The Norwegian Red Devils icon took over the team from José Mourinho in the autumn of 2018. He stayed with the team for 3 years and was dismissed by the management in the autumn of 2021. Solskjær was often blamed for the low rotation of players, especially the central midfield of Fred-McTominay and Pogba made many a United fan drink blood.

In some games it was as if the players had no tactical instructions. Anyway, in spite of all this, the team had 56 wins after 100 games. By comparison Van Gaal had only 52.

Moreover, the team under the Norwegian coach managed to challenge the city rival at his stadium several times, something most United managers have failed to do in the last 10 years. During his time with the Red Devils, Solskjær may not have won any trophies, but there are some matches that fans will not forget.

José Mourinho

In the summer of 2016, Manchester United management brought in arguably the most famous coaching name since the end of Sir Alex Ferguson. From the very beginning, fans could expect not very attractive football from the Portuguese strategist, but purposeful. Swedish veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic came to Mourinho’s rescue and the Portuguese handled the then record-breaking €105million transfer of Paul Pogba.

The first season turned out brilliantly. Winning the Europa League and also winning the Community Shield early in the season. There are legendary press conferences associated with Mourinho’s tenure, for example when he referred to Manchester United as a club as “football heritage” after explaining the players he had in the team when he started compared to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

After all, 62 wins in his opening 100 games. At that time, every United fan still loved Mourinho and believed in better times. Moreover, the Portuguese delivered a 2nd place finish in the Premier League in his 2nd season at Old Trafford, the best result from Ferguson at the time. Unfortunately the end of the engagement was inglorious, the cabinet was probably against Mourinho and publicly insulting his players didn’t help the manager either.

Erik ten Hag

From the start at the club, the Dutchman has had to deal with issues outside of football. First the Cristiano Ronaldo scandal and his interview, which went beyond the non-use of the star player. After that the Jadon Sancho situation, add to that the constant dealing with Mason Greenwood whether with the media or just within the club.

In the end, though, ten Hag ended his inaugural season at Old Trafford with at least a Carabao Cup. In the last league game, it was the 100th game for the Dutchman in red. 61 games went in Manchester United’s favour, so only Mourinho was better than Ferguson.

We also have to take into account the large squad that the team has been narrowing down throughout this season and if United are at full strength, we can see that they can trouble anyone. However, with the increased number of defeats by the end of this season, that Hag may not finish second.

Source: Manchester United, Premier League