Paul Parker concurs with Cristiano Ronaldo’s assertion that Manchester United must pursue significant trophies; nonetheless, he believes that dismissing Erik ten Hag is not the solution.
Portuguese superstar has scrutinized mentality; Red Devils are promoting a long-term initiative.
Dutch coach continues to seek the approval of skeptics
Inquiries persist on the duration of a Dutch coach’s tenure at Old Trafford, although the extension of his contract during the summer. Ten Hag has secured a trophy in both of his seasons in England – the Carabao Cup and FA Cup – however the Red Devils persist in their inconsistency, with discussions of long-term strategies overshadowing immediate aspirations.
Ronaldo, a legendary figure at United, recently informed Rio Ferdinand during a conversation on his new ‘UR Cristiano’ YouTube channel: “The coach asserts that they are unable to contend for the Premier League and Champions League titles.” As the coach of Manchester United, one cannot assert a lack of commitment to competing for the league or the Champions League. One must mentally acknowledge, ‘Perhaps we lack that potential, but I cannot articulate that.’ We shall attempt. One must endeavor.
As Ten Hag moderates expectations and Ronaldo promotes them, who is correct and what constitutes success for United in the near term? GOAL posed the inquiry to Paul Parker, the former Red Devils defender, who stated in collaboration with William Hill Vegas: “I believe Ronaldo is correct in his assertions regarding Manchester United.” I have a same sentiment with United. I am reflecting on the past several years, during which football has undergone significant transformation. Currently, there are no inherent entitlements for clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool; although they maintain respect, they must achieve victories, as there is no automatic expectation for them to secure Champions League titles or league championships.
“Expectations persist and will always exist; however, in a decade, if Manchester United has secured a title – which I would not wager on, to be candid – the new generation will not connect with the notion that Manchester United ought to achieve this.” I was lucky to be at United when they secured their first title in 26 years. Nonetheless, the excitement persisted; it centered on Manchester United securing a championship. I believe the entire nation has acknowledged it; yet, it remains to be seen if it will actually occur. Indeed, some individuals, particularly from 40 miles away, could not appreciate our victory; nevertheless, several supporters from the older generation, who experienced both the prosperous and challenging times, were able to witness it once more, including one notable individual, Matt Busby, who deceased shortly thereafter.
Parker commented on the collective mentality at Old Trafford, which has been influenced by an 11-year championship drought since the retirement of the renowned former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. “Will it be identical once more?” After 11 years, if we were to discuss it in another 15 years, would it be precisely the same as it is now? Is that identical type of excitement? Would the supporters prefer it that way? I am uncertain whether they will, as we tend to rapidly disregard history; I doubt that generation will embrace it.
“Are they genuinely insisting on it?” I will not accept that it is inevitable. For me, any victory for United represents progress. United’s current standing contrasts with the expectation that they should consistently rank among the top two; presently, they are contending to secure a spot in the top four. There are a limited number of trophies available, and United is not genuinely competing for the first or second; they are now focusing on the third and fourth awards.
Ten Hag is currently contracted till 2026. There are indications that he may be a dead man walking, as the United board appears to be seeking a justification to terminate him; nevertheless, Parker disagrees with this perspective. When questioned whether Ten Hag is on borrowed time or still a feasible long-term solution, he stated: “I cannot provide a sufficient argument for the latter, but I do not believe, nor wish to believe, that he is a dead man walking.” I maintain that no one should attempt to fulfill that role.
“I believe numerous individuals desire to express that sentiment and wish for him to be dismissed from his position.” They perceive a distinction not in the desire for a different manager for the team’s advantage, but rather in the motivations of those who seek this change as it contributes to a narrative around Manchester United. Another manager has departed, reminiscent of 2013 when Sir Alex resigned, and this is how they market and perceive the situation. No one is advocating for Manchester United’s interests; rather, they are speaking for their own benefit.
United have garnered six points from four Premier League matches this season and have advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. They will resume play on Saturday with an away match against Crystal Palace, followed by the commencement of their 2024-25 Europa League campaign at home against FC Twente.
