'Going to be a long process' - Former Manchester United coach gives verdict on Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United coach Tom Huddlestone believes Erik ten Hag has demonstrated he can succeed at Old Trafford when he has a fit squad available.

Although Ten Hag ended last season on a high by winning the FA Cup, he faces an uncertain future as United boss following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

United finished eighth in the Premier League and recorded a minus goal difference. They failed to qualify for Europe by league place but winning the FA Cup against Manchester City has guaranteed entry to the Europa League, which is a huge boost for the 2024/25 season.

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Whether Ten Hag will remain in charge remains to be seen. There has been over two weeks since the FA Cup final a decision on his future hasn't been communicated.

The uncertainty around his position is set to rumble on, but Huddlestone joined United in a player-academy coaching role shortly after Ten Hag's appointment and explained the Dutchman should be given more time because of the injury crisis he was forced to contend with last season.

"This year, they've been plagued by injuries," Huddlestone said in an interview with the Daily Mail. "And not only injuries like all the other teams have bad, but it's always been in the same sort of position, which has been in the defence. So I think that would be one thing.

"If everybody can stay fully fit, I think the trajectory of the club under this management is a positive one. I think it's gonna be a long process in general.

"I think the manager currently, especially last season, when he's got his starting 11 fit, they're as good as most teams in the Premier League."

The transfer window opens at the end of the week and a decision on Ten Hag must be communicated by then, as the uncertainty is impacting plans.

Huddlestone's time with United came to an end this summer. His role was considered a huge success and the club are open to appointing another player-coach.

"For somebody like myself, who wants to go into coaching longer term, and then eventually management, I think when you're coming towards the end of your career that role is sort of a perfect transitional season or two," Huddlestone added about his coaching stint.

"Because when you're playing... you take for advantage a lot of the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. The hours of preparation, understanding why coaches do certain sessions, setting the sessions up, analysing the sessions afterwards, and all the preparation going into the opposition on a game-to-game basis.

"So it's been excellent to see that side of it. And it's given me a real hunger to move forward in my coaching career. And as I say, in two, three, four years, whatever it may be, hopefully, become a manager one day."

United believe the role played by Paul McShane and Huddlestone across the previous three seasons has been beneficial to their academy players and are open to extending it again this season.

Any appointment depends on a candidate being available, with the club looking for an experienced professional who is ready to start their coaching career as well.