Manchester United. The name alone stirs up a whirlwind of emotions for fans across the globe. Some call it “the biggest football club in the world,” while others—like my mate John, who still thinks the glory years are coming back any minute now—just roll their eyes and point to the last 10 years of misery.

When Erik ten Hag showed up in the summer of 2022, United fans had hopes. Big ones. After a few seasons of misery post-Fergie, it was like they were finally ready to trust a manager who could bring them back to the top. He walked into Old Trafford with a plan—bring back discipline, tactical awareness, and maybe—just maybe—start winning trophies again. His first season was… OK. Not bad. But now, the question on everyone’s lips is: Will Erik Ten Hag actually deliver a Premier League title?

The Ten Hag Effect: A Slow Burn or a Flash in the Pan?

Okay, let’s get one thing straight: when Ten Hag took over, he inherited a squad that was like a poorly made Ikea bookshelf—wobbly, half-finished, and only stood up if you prayed real hard. The team had been struggling for years. No one was stepping up. Sure, they had the odd spark—Bruno Fernandes was like a mini-sun in a cloudy sky, but it was clear they needed something more to challenge for the top spots.

Enter Ten Hag, who looked at United like a puzzle box and said, “Alright, let’s fix this.” He didn’t exactly wave a magic wand and turn everything around overnight, but the groundwork started to show. Players like Lisandro Martínez and Christian Eriksen came in, and it was like someone had finally put a few of those Ikea shelf pieces in the right place. They weren’t winning the Premier League yet, but you could see the changes.

Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and it’s clear the team is way more structured than under previous managers. There’s balance in defense—hello, Martínez and Raphael Varane—and more creativity in midfield with Eriksen pulling strings. But let’s be real: these improvements don’t guarantee a Premier League title.

The Premier League: A Beast of Its Own

The Premier League is, well, a beast. Like a dragon. A really, really fast dragon. You gotta be prepared for everything. It’s not just about beating the big teams; it’s about keeping your cool against mid-table squads and even relegation battlers. It’s those matches that usually derail title hopes. Just ask Arsenal fans. Oh wait—too soon? (Sorry, Gunners.)

Here’s the thing: United have got the firepower. Marcus Rashford is looking sharp, and Bruno is doing his thing. But scoring goals alone won’t get you there. They need depth, resilience, and that never-say-die attitude that made Manchester United the team we all loved—or loved to hate—during their golden years.

Remember the Sir Alex Ferguson days? Damn, that man could make a chicken nugget squad look like world-beaters. Can Ten Hag do the same? We’re all wondering. Because consistency is the name of the game, and this squad? They’ve still got some work to do in that department.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: with Manchester City and Liverpool breathing down their necks, United need to be flawless. Or at least close to flawless. And let’s be honest, they’ve got a long way to go before they hit that mark.

The Missing Link: A True Goal-Scorer

Look, we all know it. The big question: where’s the striker who can deliver the goods consistently? Rashford’s been great, but there’s still that nagging feeling in the back of my head. What happens when he goes off form? Who steps up then?

It’s the same old problem United fans have been wrestling with since… well, since Wayne Rooney decided he wanted to make money from cigars and not goals. Anthony Martial’s talent is there, but he’s about as reliable as my neighbor’s Wi-Fi. You know, occasionally brilliant but mostly offline.

Once, I had a conversation with Pete, who runs a local pub near Old Trafford (shout out to the Black Bull, best pints in the area). Pete said, “Look, United need a striker that’ll make defenders shake in their boots, not just a guy who looks good on Instagram.” And I gotta admit, he’s got a point. That kind of striker could be the difference between finishing 2nd and lifting the damn trophy.

Depth: The Secret Weapon?

If you want to win the Premier League, you can’t just roll out the same squad week in and week out. You need depth, and Ten Hag is starting to get there. But the squad still feels a little thin in some areas. Injuries? Let’s not talk about those. Last season was basically a tribute to every player on the injury list.

If United are going to challenge, Ten Hag will need to find a way to rotate his squad without dropping the level of performance. It’s a delicate balance, like cooking the perfect scrambled eggs: too little time in the pan, and they’re soggy; too long, and they’re dry. Gotta get it just right. And that’s on Ten Hag. No pressure.

Can They Keep Up With City & Liverpool?

Now, this is where it gets real tricky. Manchester City is like that annoying cousin who always wins the family ping-pong championship. You can’t ignore them. Not only do they have an incredible squad depth, but Pep Guardiola’s tactical genius keeps them two steps ahead of everyone else.

And Liverpool? Well, I think we all know what Jürgen Klopp can do with a high-pressing, counter-attacking side. If United are going to stay relevant in the title race, they’ll have to beat both of these teams at some point.

Will Ten Hag Get It Done?

So, where does that leave us? Will Ten Hag lead Manchester United back to Premier League glory? It’s too soon to say, but I’m cautiously optimistic. He’s got the tactics, and his early results suggest the squad is heading in the right direction. But can they keep pace with the likes of City and Liverpool? That remains to be seen.

If United are serious about competing for the title, Ten Hag will need to juggle the pressure of injuries, squad rotation, and consistent performance. No one said it would be easy. But hey, if Ten Hag can get this team firing on all cylinders, maybe—just maybe—the Red Devils will finally get back to where they belong: at the top. And we can all stop hearing John’s “Next year’s our year” speech every single weekend. Fingers crossed.