Erik ten Hag may have watched Manchester United many times in preparing for his new role as head coach next season, but that might not have been enough to prepare him for his first-hand view of the situation.
Ralf Rangnick’s era as interim coach ended with yet another defeat after a 1-0 loss away to Crystal Palace. It means the German oversaw a run of just one win in their last six games to the end of the season, highlighting the variety of issues at the club. A season in which they finished with a goal difference of zero, were beaten 5-0 and 4-0 home and away by Liverpool and were 35 points adrift of Man City shows the steep climb Ten Hag is taking on.
Fortunately for the Red Devils, West Ham and Wolves also lost and that was enough to preserve sixth place for Man United after a dreadful season. Europa League football will follow next year, which offers a clear route into the Champions League for Ten Hag to target, as well as the silverware that comes with it. But on this basis, that will be a frightening prospect if they cannot match up against a team of Palace's quality.
