United lost more games this season, won fewer and conceded more goals than any other campaign in the Premier League era.
End of season victories over Newcastle and Brighton got them to 60 points and an eighth-place finish. But it was the still club’s the lowest league position and points total in 34 years, when they ended up 13th, with 48 points, in the 1989-90 season.
As in 1990, salvation from a tortuous campaign came through an FA Cup victory. Unlike 1990, it was achieved against the strongest possible opponent.
In his favour, Ten Hag has dealt with a succession of major issues head on, asserting his authority as he went.
He was critical of Cristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour in private and public long before the Portuguese star’s early exit from the club.
He called out what he felt were sub-standard training performances by Jadon Sancho, then demanded an apology for an inflammatory social media post by the £73m England international – and refused to pick him when it didn’t come, before allowing a loan to Borussia Dortmund.
He was never able to select Mason Greenwood, the striker he thought was being allowed back into the fold in August after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped, only for United to change their minds and eventually send him out on loan to Spanish side Getafe.
Ten Hag had to deal with Marcus Rashford’s massive dip in form, a chronic injury list that at one point included six central defenders and both his left-backs, plus new signing Mason Mount and forward Anthony Martial for extended periods.
Veteran midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen suddenly looked old and vulnerable and £81m wide-man Antony failed to adapt to his second season, having been given leave of absence in September to deal with allegations of assault, which are still to be dealt with, and which the Brazilian denies.
Against this backdrop, United have won trophies in successive seasons and Ten Hag has joined an illustrious group in achieving it.
Now a decision has to be made on what happens next.
Alternatives have been sounded out. Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino are out of work. Kieran McKenna isn’t but Chelsea and Brighton also covet the former United coach, who has achieved back to back promotions with Ipswich. Brentford’s Thomas Frank has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has set out his position.
Pretty soon, Ratcliffe will outline his.
