Agency Report
MANCHESTER – Erik ten Hag slammed the”fairy tales and lies” fabricated by the media about his Manchester United future as the under-fire boss insisted he is not in danger of losing his position as head coach.
Ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager is widely believed to be under serious pressure as United face their worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-1990. The Red Devils are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s game against Brentford at Old Trafford. The visitors’ boss, Thomas Frank has been rumoured to take over from the Dutchman.
Having failed to record a win from their last five games in all competitions, Ten Hag’s men have won just twice in seven league matches this term. Another flop against Brentford could prove to be costly for Ten Hag ahead of a testing week featuring away games at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League and West Ham in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, the ex-Ajax boss is convinced that he retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s board.
“The noise is only coming from some of you in the media, creating stories and fairy tales, and bringing lies,” Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Friday. “I told this before the break. Several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports.”
“But internally, it’s quiet,” he explained. “Of course, we are discussing, that we are unhappy with the position where we are and how we have to turn the corner, what has to happen, so what should be strategy to turn this corner. But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan, and we are very convinced we will make it a success.”
– ‘A mountain to climb’ –
Man United ended the 2023/2024 Premier League season in shocking-eighth position, their lowest final position since 1990, triggering Ratcliffe to lead an nternal assessment into Ten Hag’s position. But the 54-year-old eventually signed a new contract at the end of last season. Ten Hag won the League Cup in his first season to end Man United’s six-year trophy drought, then lifted the FA Cup in his second stint in a shock final triumph against city-rivals Manchester City that is though to be the deciding factor for the contract extension.
Depsite the silverware, Ten Hag is once again back to struggling in his reign at Old Trafford. United’s inconsistent form lacks any sign of improvement, as the Dutch coach explained the road back to sucess will not be easy.
“We have to climb a mountain. That is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges. I am sure we will make a success, as we did the last two seasons,” he said. “Underneath I see good things and good stats that confirm we are in a good direction. But of course the ranking is not lying. We are where we are and that is not good enough.”
Ten Hag’s men have scored just five goals in seven league games.
“The players did well. We won last season. Sometimes in general the players do perform well. But we have to start scoring,” he said. “In that part we have to improve entering the final third and into the box. Now we have to take the most important step.”