Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League as they held on to secure a 2-1 victory away at Everton on Sunday.
The result was crucial for United following last week’s humiliating 3-6 derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag’s spell as manager of the Red Devils has been a mixed bag so far. Expectations were high after fans had seen what he had done when in charge of Dutch champions Ajax.
Mixed results for ETH
The pre-season was another reminder of his undoubted potential but once the real thing began, question marks were immediately raised.
🔺 Pep Guardiola
🔺 Graham Potter
🔺 Thomas FrankRoy Keane picks his top 3 current Premier League managers pic.twitter.com/whjn2w3bWV
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 10, 2022
United started with back-to-back defeats at the hands of Brighton and Brentford, with the players struggling to adjust to their new manager’s methods.
Ten Hag deserves credits for then leading his team to a four-match winning streak including victories over arch-rivals Liverpool and league leaders Arsenal.
That led to suggestions that United could be ready to challenge City but things came crashing down in the derby. And as things stand, Ten Hag has a lot of work to do if he has to get his side into the top 4.
And that is exactly why United legend Roy Keane did not name the Dutch boss in the list of top three managers in the league.
The former United skipper appeared on Monday Night Football and when asked to reveal his best three managers, he went with Pep Guardiola, Thomas Frank and surprisingly Graham Potter, who left Brighton for Chelsea last month.
Guardiola’s record for City speaks for itself and ever since his arrival in England, the Spaniard has revolutionised the way football is played and his team are on course for yet another Premier League title.
Potter working wonders with Chelsea
Frank might be a strange choice but considering the small budget Brentford operate with and the way they have played since their promotion to the top division, it is clear to see what a good job he has done.
Potter had Brighton playing a fluid style of football and recently made the switch to Chelsea. There were question marks as to whether he could manage at a big club and handle all the different egos in the dressing room.
So far, it has not proved to be a problem as Chelsea have won three out of the four games since Potter has taken charge, including a dominant win over AC Milan in the Champions League last night.
“And I like Graham Potter at Chelsea. I like the way his teams play, I like the way he comes across in the media, I’m delighted he’s got a chance at a big club like Chelsea,” Keane said.
The London side are currently a point ahead of the Red Devils in fourth and the two managers will come face-to-face in 10 days time. That will be a good indicator as to which boss is getting the most out of their teams currently.
United Matchday Magazine – the ultimate match experience
Take your seat for the Omonia game. Get instant access to the best online United magazine around!
- Get all the match build-up, articles, news, puzzles, nostalgia and humour
- Online football content like you’ve never seen before
- No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United
- Instantly delivered to your device with easy and secure online ordering
- Click Preview to see more or buy for just £1.25/$1.50
- Limited time offer: SAVE £10 on a season pass – use discount code SEASON35 at checkout.
