For club managers, the last six weeks have offered time for reflection and fine-tuning. To look back on what has already come and plot a course for what promises to be a breakneck five-month sprint to the finish line.
Erik ten Hag has overseen 21 games as Manchester United manager in 14 weeks and 14 of them have been won. The first phase of his first season has been a relative success, even more so if judged from August 13 and the frightening nadir of the 4-0 defeat by Brentford.
The Dutchman has handled the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo adroitly and has brought a blossoming style of play to Old Trafford. He is getting the best out of players, his signings have been excellent and he has United poised to pounce for a top-four spot.
READ MORE: Ten Hag makes admission after studying United performances
But that will count for little if it goes wrong between now and the end of May. Ten Hag’s first season in the Old Trafford hot seat will be judged on what comes next.
Between now and May 28 there are 24 Premier League games to play and there could be many more games to come in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League. There are dangers lurking in the water for Ten Hag and United.
Primarily, they are short in attack and facing a tricky January transfer window to add another striker. There won’t be an easy option out there.
In the Premier League they have a four-point lead over Liverpool, but the general consensus is that Jurgen Klopp’s side can only improve for the break. United have looked like catching Tottenham in recent weeks, but Antonio Conte’s side might also have something left in the tank in what is an unprecedented season in terms of managing your effort.
To make this season a significant success, Ten Hag has two targets. The first is to secure a spot in the top four and return to the Champions League. That is imperative in terms of attracting targets next summer and increasing revenues, especially at a time when the club is on the market, but the future is shrouded in uncertainty given the Glazers' lack of direction on whether they plan to sell or just seek new investment.
The second is to secure a trophy and make sure the drought without silverware doesn’t hit six years. United haven’t won a trophy now since the Europa League in 2017 and it’s been far too long. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came close but his failure to get over the line summed up his reign, good for long periods but never quite looking like it was good enough.
Ten Hag is clearly a better coach and better manager than Solskjaer, but winning something will put even more credit in the bank for him. A win against Burnley tonight will send United into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
They also have a home draw in the FA Cup third-round, albeit against Premier League opposition in Everton, but the Europa League play-off round is a daunting tie against Barcelona.
It’s going to be almost non-stop between now and the end of the season and for Ten Hag and United there is an awful lot to play for.
READ NEXT:
