ERIK TEN HAG has been snubbed from the Premier League Manager of the Season shortlist.
And the “insanity” of the decision has left fans raging at the Manchester United manager‘s exclusion.
The candidates who made the six-man shortlist are Mikel Arteta; Pep Guardiola, Eddie Howe, Roberto De Zerbi, Unai Emery, and Marco Silva.
However, the Red Devils are on course, barring any further slip-ups, to achieve a top-four finish.
Ten Hag has also guided United to two domestic cup finals – winning the Carabao Cup with the FA Cup final still to come on June 3.
These achievements, along with the added adversity of losing Cristiano Ronaldo mid-season, have left a number of fans bemused by the decision.
One fan raged: “No ET, trophy, possible top 4 finish. Having to play the entire season without a striker with what was a hectic schedule all season.
Forget how many predicted United to finish 6 or 7th before a ball was kicked🤣.”
A second said: “And the Season is not over yet…Wtf how is Marco Silva included over Ten Hag that’s insanity, unacceptable and unfair 🤨.”
“Ten Hag should have been nominated. He started badly, was 20th after first two matches. Had a good run of form. Won two manager of the month awards. He deserves to be nominated,” typed a third.
Mikel Artetaand Pep Guardiola were both nominated owing to their title fight.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was also nominated.
A fourth said: “Sneaked in Unai Emery 😤😤😤. Erik ten Hag has suffered 😭😒.”
Other fans were furious at exclusions for Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil.
One fan commented: “Gary O’Neil should be in over Silva,” with another asking: “How is the Bournemouth guy not there?”
“This seems kinda pointless when Pep has secured another title but why isn’t Gary O’Neil on this list? Surely he’s as deserving of a nomination as Marco Silva?” suggested a third.
Many fans fumed at Gary O’Neil’s exclusion.
A fourth said, “No surprise that Frank, who has the lowest budget for transfers and wages, yet has secured a top 10 finish, hasn’t been nominated.” While a fifth commented, “Reminder: Brentford won at the Etihad and Stamford Bridge, battered United and Liverpool, Brentford are 9th in the Prem but Thomas Frank doesn’t even get a manager of the season nomination. It’s embarrassing.”
With fans also declaring Thomas Frank to be a worthy candidate who was snubbed.
In terms of the candidates who made the cut, each has their own claim to the throne. Arteta guided Arsenal to an unexpected title charge before seeing injuries and a lack of experience take its toll on his young squad, though a now-expected runner-up spot is still a commendable achievement.
Guardiola once again proved his managerial clout by making a significant tactical change to improve his team’s fortunes from midseason which has now put them on course for the title.
Howe has also overachieved with the Magpies‘ current top-four position considering Newcastle’s relative standing compared to more established rivals.
De Zerbi has received widespread praise for the style he employs at Brighton – particularly from Guardiola – while putting the Seagulls on course for European football for the first time ever.
After a difficult start to the season under former manager Steven Gerrard, Emery has greatly impressed upon his return to England, helping AstonVilla rocket up the table and into European contention.
Following their promotion, Fulham‘s doubters were put to rest thanks to Silva, who has the Cottagers sitting in 10th place, eight points ahead of their nearby rivals Chelsea.