Manchester United have needed someone like Erik ten Hag to dish out tough love for ages. But they are so far behind their rivals, a change in fortune may not be quick.
Only a few months ago, Antonio Conte was disappointed not to get the call from Old Trafford yet he probably feels now he dodged a bullet. Looking at last season’s results and their business in the summer transfer window, I’d back Tottenham to finish above United again, and win a long-awaited trophy before them as well.
United were second a couple of years ago but it papered over the cracks because you never felt the manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given full control and the players sensed that.