Manchester United's decision to appoint Erik ten Hag last year has been vindicated and the manager's attitude has demonstrated why his mentality matches the club.
United decided to appoint Ten Hag as their new boss after a successful four-year spell at Ajax, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles but also impressed on the European stage. The club reportedly had considered appointing Graham Potter – the current Chelsea boss who was then at Brighton – but were said to have reservations over his lack of European experience.
The Red Devils completed a dramatic comeback victory over Barcelona as they progressed through to the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday. It ensured Ten Hag's side advanced 4-3 on aggregate against the side eight points clear at the top of La Liga.
They are the only club in Europe's top five leagues who are continuing to compete on four fronts, with Sunday's Carabao Cup final complementing their European run, their progress through to the FA Cup Round of 16 and being within five points of the top of the Premier League.
Ten Hag's most eye-catching managerial achievement to date was guiding the Dutch giants into the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 when they were seconds away from the final before Lucas Moura’s winner for Tottenham in the sixth minute of added time.
Ajax stunned Real Madrid and Juventus on that memorable European run – their first knockout tie victories in the Champions League since 1997. It was a profile that vindicated his appointment at Old Trafford, with his attitude after the progress past Barcelona matching the club's ambition to push on for trophies.
Have Your Say! How many trophies will Man Utd win this season? Tell us what you think here.
"Doesn't matter for me [the Europa League draw – before United were drawn against Real Betis], I am focused on Newcastle United, that’s the only thing that counts," Ten Hag told BT Sport on Thursday following the win over Barca.
"It doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all, we know that if you want to win.
"We respect every opponent, don't get me wrong, but if you are well-prepared and we have a strong belief, we can do it."
Ten Hag's European know-how was key to his appointment, coupled with his ability to create a winning machine domestically as he restored Ajax as the top Dutch club.
Potter, who was admired by many within Old Trafford, did not have that background.
Potter is now under serious pressure at Stamford Bridge, having replaced Thomas Tuchel in the dugout in September, with Chelsea scoring just six goals in their last 15 games in all competitions – with the Blues currently languishing 10th in the Premier League.
