Since United last won the Premier League title under Alex Ferguson in 2013, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all failed to revive former glories - but Ten Hag appears to be making progress.
Last year, he took charge of a United side that had collected their lowest-ever Premier League points tally (58) in the 2021-22 season and were in a five-year trophy drought.
The turnaround has been remarkable, with a top-four finish in the Premier League, the League Cup trophy and a place in the FA Cup final to show for last season.
"I think the difference is, with reference to last year, now we have the foundation with this squad," Ten Hag told reporters.
If Ten Hag can stop the uncertainty over the club's ownership from spilling over into his dressing room, United have reason to believe they can challenge seriously to win the Premier League and end the recent dominance of Manchester City.
Persons:
Erik, Hag, Tony Obrien, Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, England's Mason, Andre Onana, David de Gea, Dane Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano, Harry Maguire, Aadi Nair, Ed Osmond
Organizations:
Soccer, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Wembley, Carabao, United, Premier League, Ajax, League, FA, Liverpool, Brentford, Manchester City, Sevilla, Atalanta, United's U.S, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Thomson
Locations:
London, Britain, Casemiro, Bengaluru