Why Was Erik ten Hag Snubbed from the Best Manager in the World Nominees?

The announcement of the nominees for the Best Manager in the World has raised eyebrows across football, and one omission stands out above all others — Erik ten Hag. Despite his influence at Manchester United, the Dutchman’s name was nowhere to be found on the shortlist.

The Omission That Shocked Fans

Many fans and pundits expected Ten Hag to at least feature among the nominees, given his impact in reshaping United’s playing style and steering them through tough campaigns. His absence has sparked heated debate on social media, with some calling it a “blatant snub.”

Criteria Under Question

The controversy deepens as managers with fewer achievements in the last 12 months have been included. This raises questions about what the award truly values: is it trophies, consistency, or reputation? In Ten Hag’s case, critics argue that his work with limited resources should have earned him recognition.

Comparisons with Other Nominees

Looking at the shortlist, many fans point out that certain nominees have neither outperformed Ten Hag statistically nor shown greater tactical ingenuity. This contrast is fueling claims that bias and popularity, rather than pure merit, played a role.

Manchester United’s Perspective

Inside Old Trafford, the omission is seen as yet another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the club. Supporters believe it reflects a wider underappreciation of United’s progress under Ten Hag, particularly given the hurdles he has faced.

What This Means for Ten Hag

While not being nominated won’t define his career, it adds to the growing narrative of Ten Hag being undervalued on the global stage. For his supporters, it serves as extra motivation to prove critics and award panels wrong in the coming seasons.