Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has given a passionate defence of his managerial record after receiving criticism this season.
The Red Devils head coach is under increasing pressure as reports suggest he could be given the boot in the summer. Ten Hag has guided Manchester United to back-to-back FA Cup finals but struggled in the Premier League, sparking criticism from pundits and ex-players. He has since hit back and questioned their knowledge of football ahead of the clash against Arsenal.
🔴 Ten Hag: “Manchester United is a massive club and you only realise that when you first come in, the things you have to face”.
“But I wanted to take on this challenge and have NOT had one second when I regret that decision”.
“I am really happy to be here”. pic.twitter.com/BaWiGl6UgW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2024
During his press conference, according to Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag said: “In almost every game except Palace, they have fought. There is a good team spirit. We saw it against Brentford, Chelsea, Liverpool, Coventry until 70 minutes. They were resilient against Sheffield United, and the physical output against Burnley, their third game in six days, was incredible. I see some comments (from pundits). Either they don’t have any knowledge of football or managing a football team.”
Despite Ten Hag’s passionate defence, there is no denying United have been below par in 2023-24. They forked out a fortune last summer to bring in the likes of Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund but have failed to challenge the Premier League’s top three.
🔴 Ten Hag: “I haven’t changed at all, I am still the same”.
“Of course there have been different experiences and I really like the ones I have had, I love the English football culture”.
“I appreciate it all and am really happy to be here, but I have not changed at all”. pic.twitter.com/7TTf2aENew
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2024
Ten Hag’s men can still secure a spot in Europe next season but will likely have to beat Arsenal at Old Trafford to stay in the running for a top-six finish. They face Newcastle in midweek for what could be a make-or-break match for the Dutchman.
