It is going to be a Herculean task for Manchester United to get a result against the mighty Aston Villa on Sunday. But, as the mid-table club takes on Bayern Munich-conquering Villa in the Premier League, that is exactly what is needed to save United manager Erik ten Hag. At least, that is what the British press would have you believe.
They may be catering to furious online fans who rant about “standards” at United, which last won a Premier League in 2013. But, it has been well-established that negativity can prompt nervous executives at football clubs to act.
As Erik ten Hag sweats under the spotlight, a few feet away from him will be a man who is basking in the glory of his success. Unai Emery’s stock could not be higher. Since taking over Villa in November 2022, he has transformed the club. Villa were languishing near the relegation zone when Emery arrived. He has taken them to the Champions League and the team is looking good to once again challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League to retain its place in Europe’s premier competition for next season.
Emery’s tactics, based on defensive organisation, quick transitions and the effective use of wingers, have given Villa a clear identity. On the other hand, ten Hag, who is known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players, has been unable to extract from his United side what he needs from them. Admittedly, the culture of incompetence at the club, which survives despite the administrative changes in the summer, has made things more difficult for him. More often than not in the last two seasons, United have looked like they are unfamiliar with a round thing called the football.
Erik Ten Hag | Agencies
So, on the face of it, the current situations of these two managers reflect the state of their teams. But, the numbers tell a slightly more complex story. For instance, given that ETH has been in his current job longer, it seems inconceivable that he could have a higher success rate than Emery. Across the last two seasons and this season so far, United’s average league position is eighth. Villa’s is fifth. Emery had overseen a radical transformation of the club’s fortunes in 2022-2023 and has not really suffered a bad spell at the club. Also, United had comically exited the Champions League last season, winning only one out of six matches, while Villa had reached the semifinals of Europe’s third tier competition, the Conference League.
Despite all this, ten Hag has a better record in all competitions compared with Emery. The Dutchman has overseen 124 matches for United, being successful in 71—57.26 per cent. The Spaniard has 51 wins from 92 matches—55.43 per cent. It is abundantly clear where the difference is.
Emery has only won two out of his seven cup matches, while ten Hag has only lost two out of his 21 matches. As a result, while Villa has not won a major trophy since winning the League Cup in 1996, United under ten Hag, as he so often reminds us, has won two trophies in two seasons.
Unai Emery | Agencies
Perhaps more interestingly, ten Hag has won the Premier League’s manager of the month award three times—September 2022, February 2023 and November 2023—while Emery has only won it twice—April 2023 and December 2023.
When you consider the problems, there is perhaps merit to his desperate pleas for more time.
