Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly had visions of a decade-long tenure at the helm of Old Trafford. The Dutch coach won two domestic cups after joining in 2022, but their poor league form led to his dismissal in October,

Despite enduring severe criticism throughout his stint, former United coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that the manager had long-term ambitions. "I learned utmost professionalism because the manager I worked under was not just a disciplinarian, but he was the best and one of the most unbelievable professionals I've ever seen in the game," new Kenya manager McCarthy said to .

"Extremely hard-working, very dedicated, very passionate, he planned on being the coach for the next 10 years. That was his vision." Here's a hypothetical look at how Ten Hag may have approached the future if his plan had come to fruition.

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Had Ten Hag remained at the wheel until 2032, he might have rekindled some moves that initially failed during the early years of his reign. Notably, the pursuit of England skipper comes to mind, particularly given United's struggles to find the net this season.

Before Kane moved from Hotspur to in 2023, United had shown an interest in snapping him up. Kane has voiced his contentment in Germany; however, his contract is scheduled to end in 2027.

It has been reported that Kane's contract includes a clause allowing him to depart for a lower fee next January. By reigniting interest in Kane, Ten Hag could have secured a prolific striker to propel his team up the table. At the same time, the 31-year-old forward could've pursue Alan Shearer's scoring record.

Of course, by 2032, Kane may have retired, but his presence would have eased the burden on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee while providing them with an ideal mentor to succeed him as United's main man.

Central midfield has been another area of concern for United, with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong consistently eluding the club, even before Ten Hag's tenure at Old Trafford. In 2022, the club's unsuccessful transfer saga resulted in the signing of Casemiro.

However, this issue may have finally been resolved this summer, with De Jong set to enter the final year of his contract. De Jong's existing relationship with Ten Hag could have allowed United to maximise the 27-year-old's potential and bring greater balance to the midfield.

In terms of players who could have remained part of Ten Hag's plans until 2032, United have shown interest in Everton's star defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who would still be nearing his 30th birthday by then.

Similarly, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki turned down the chance to be Andre Onana's backup, but United might have reaffirmed their interest in the 22-year-old following his standout performances for Parma. However, the club would need to pay significantly more than the £5m fee they agreed with Urawa Red Diamonds in 2023.

Ten Hag was unable to improve on a respectable third-place finish from his debut season, finishing eighth last year, and looked set to fare even worse this term. Nevertheless, the Dutchman deserves credit for promoting several top prospects to the first team, potentially forming the core of an exciting squad in the future.

The manager handed his debut, and the midfielder quickly became a key part of Ten Hag's strategy. Alejandro Garnacho had made sporadic appearances for United but truly came into his own under the former Ajax boss. Both players were considered indispensable under Ten Hag, but financial pressures could potentially change that during Ruben Amorim's tenure.

Amad was on the verge of making a similar impact before Ten Hag's dismissal, while the manager also seemed to be making positive progress with Hojlund last season. The sight of these young players celebrating United's victory in the resonated with fans.

Meanwhile, rising star Toby Collyer, alongside new signings Sekou Kone, Chido Obi, and Ayden Heaven, could have seen Ten Hag incorporate more young prospects into his squad, all part of his grand 10-year plan for United.

Since Ten Hag left the club, United have revealed plans to construct a jaw-dropping 100,000-seater stadium at Old Trafford. previously reported that the project could cost £2billion.

Old Trafford's shortcomings were often likened to Ten Hag's struggling team during the harshest times of his reign. However, the 55-year-old would have relished the chance to guide United into a new chapter, potentially strengthened by extra transfer funds from extra commercial income.

relayed insights from Kroll managing director Mike Weaver, who has valued the naming rights for the new stadium at an eye-popping $33.4 million (£25.8m) per year — twice the current rate for Old Trafford. "The value is about two times [more] for a new stadium than it is an old stadium," adding: "It could be worth up to two times what we have in the report right now."

On the playing side, while it is purely speculative, Ten Hag would have hoped to restore the club back to their glory days in seven years' time. The allure of the new stadium, coupled with this, would have made players previously considered unattainable within reach.

It's almost certain that Ten Hag would have continued his pattern of recruiting players with an Ajax connection, leading Jurrien Timber to possibly be the versatile full-back he desperately needed during his tenure.

With this in mind, here's a glimpse into an alternate universe of how United could have lined up: GK: Zion Suzuki; RB: Jurrien Timber, CB: Ayden Heaven, CB: Jarrad Branthwaite, LB: Miguel Gutiérrez; CM: Manuel Ugarte, CM: Frenkie de Jong; RW: Amad Diallo, AM: Kobbie Mainoo, LW: Alejandro Garnacho; ST: Rasmus Hojlund.