Ten Hag knew very well that in his first season he would not be able to win a trophy unless United were really lucky.
He and Manchester United are climbing up to a third position in Premier League but I agree that thinking of the trophy is too optimistic. A third or second position at the end can be great for them. Again we should remember that Ole Solskajer had a season with a runner-up position with Manchester United but after all, he was sacked by them.
This should be an ongoing process without expecting any achievements in a season that has been filled with inconsistent team performances. I'm not going to forbid them from setting a target of becoming champions, but it takes time for a team that has just recently resurrected like Manchester United. I think it will be very hasty in its first season already targeting a trophy which at the beginning received the team in not good condition.
I don't see it that way, Thomas Tuchel never met Chelsea at its best state before accepting to stay, Lampard was already leading Chelsea to relegation but Tuchel came with a different energy and the club rose to a different height which later resulted in Chelsea winning the UEFA Champion League and later the club world cup. Manchester United has experienced a rejuvenation in the era of Ten Hag, even if it is in the Midseason or season-ending they can still catch up with whatever trophy they want.
There was a lot of variables in the club when Thomas Tuchel took over as the manager and managed to turn the situation around with his quality and experience. I loved the energy and winning mentality Tuchel brought to the club too unfortunately he didn't get enough time to try and turn things around when the team was struggling and departed after being sacked, he deserved better if for no other reason, for what he achieved in a short time at the club.