Are Manchester United back?

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Manchester United have finally ended their six year trophy drought with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. This is the first trophy of Erik Ten Hag’s reign, and with the Red Devils still fighting for three more, it may just be the beginning of a dynasty.

Before Erik Ten Hag began as Manchester United manager, the club was a shadow if its former self. The club was imploding both on and off the pitch, with a mass exodus of players and backroom staff on the horizon.

Ten Hag has been strict with his principles, he has not compromised his values for superstars or for short-term success. The rebuild at Manchester United was going to take a manager who is not only successful tactically – there have been plenty who have arrived and failed – but also a strong leader, someone who will reach their goals no matter the risk of alienating players or fans.

The benefits of his approach can already be seen. Players that had no future at Manchester United prior to his arrival have resurrected their place in the squad, with some even finding the best form of their career this season. Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred and Luke Shaw are examples of this success.

Alongside the Carabao Cup there have been other milestones signalling the positive direction the club is heading.  Victories over Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League has restored the pride of the fans, they are no longer afraid of their biggest rivals. In Europe they have beaten Barcelona, the team at the top of La Liga.

It is important to be hesitant in times like these, Manchester United fans have been here before since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit. The great Jose Mourinho showed progress in his first season, the same with Louis Van Gaal, but both could not build long-term success.

This time it feels different. The potential of Erik Ten Hag’s side is scary for the rest of the league and with new ownership on the horizon, the sky is the limit for the Red Devils.

Has Erik Ten Hag led Manchester United back to the top? Or will the Red Devils sink back to their old ways?

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Dylan Johnson