If Erik ten Hag wanted to know just how tough life can be as manager of Manchester United then this week might well be the crash course he needed to prepare himself for some testing times ahead.
United have only been back in pre-season training for a week-and-a-half, but already the new manager has had a lot on his plate and a to-do list further complicated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave.
Ten Hag has already spoken on record about his eagerness to work with the Portuguese. The issue is that Ronaldo doesn’t want to waste another season at a club where just qualifying for the Champions League looks uncertain.
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United insist Ronaldo isn’t for sale, but keeping him against his will would do more harm than good, and soon there might come a time when such a decision is reluctantly made.
Ultimately, the decision should come down to Ten Hag once he has had time to speak with the player in private, with the manager in need of the power and authority to decide on the future of a key player, something that could shape his very United tenure.
Not only do United need clarity on the situation for their forward planning on the pitch next season, but they need it for planning away from it as well.
Another key decision for Ten Hag to make in the next few weeks involves the captaincy and choosing which individual can lead United going forward into the new season.
It seemed like United had four standout candidates to take the armband heading into the new season, each with their own pros and cons, but right now that list looks a lot shorter.
Ronaldo’s uncertain future has cast doubt on whether or not he’ll be at the club next season, and even if he is, the fact that he wants to leave is hardly the look you want from a captain despite his obvious leaderships qualities.
Bruno Fernandes is popular amongst many supporters, but there is also a train of thought that he might be too argumentative for the role and would find it hard to navigate the delicate issues he would be tasked with dealing with. His own role in the team next season could also be in doubt following the impending arrival of Christian Eriksen, another factor that could work against him.
Then there is Harry Maguire. Off the pitch, he has been good as a captain, dealing with unenviable media obligations, community engagement, attending club events and offering guidance to teammates. However, on the pitch he has been lost and he may not be a guaranteed starter if Lisandro Martinez arrives from Ajax.
It means David de Gea might be the only other remaining candidate to get the armband this summer, given he has the experience and authority in the dressing room to warrant such backing. There are concerns about his vocalism in the dressing room and on the pitch, though, so it depends on what traits Ten Hag wants from his captain next season.
But given he’ll be starting the vast majority of matches next season, De Gea might be the only key figure the new manager can rely on to lead the side going forward, and after the performances he put in last season, few would argue against him deserving such responsibility.
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