Erik ten Hag cornered himself

‘I’ve proven in my career that I will always win,’ Erik ten Hag told the press last month. ‘In the last six years I have won eight trophies.’ The now-sacked Manchester United manager’s words were true but said without conviction. As loss followed loss, it was just one of the many excuses he trotted out to try and maintain his dignity and placate the fans. Both pundits and punters could see that ten Hag had grown tired and embittered after two years under the yoke of England’s biggest but most troubled football club. But how did the prospects of a talented manager collapse so quickly?

Ten Hag joined Manchester United just two years ago from Ajax in the Netherlands as one of Europe’s most-promising managers. There he had enjoyed near-total success: in his inaugural season he won the domestic league and cup and came within minutes of the club’s first Champions League final in 20 years.