Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag dismisses sack speculation as fairy tales and noise
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Manchester United's manager Erik ten Hag is fighting to avoid the sack after United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90.
PHOTO: AFP
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MANCHESTER – Under-fire Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said on Oct 18 that media speculation over his job in recent weeks has been baseless, adding that the internal atmosphere at the English Premier League club has been quiet.
Ten Hag has been under the microscope for several months, with United finishing eighth in the league last season and currently languishing in 14th place on eight points with two wins from seven games – their worst start to a campaign since 1989-90.
“The noises came from the media, some of you, not all of you. Some of you are coming up with stories, creating stories, creating fairy tales, bringing noise, bringing lies,” ten Hag told reporters ahead of the Oct 19 visit of Brentford.
“I know we are all one page at this club. I’ve said this before the break to some journalists, who probably didn’t believe me as I saw the reports. Internally at the club, it’s quiet.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank agreed that ten Hag has endured “too much” criticism.
“It’s incredible how much scrutiny he’s had to face,” Frank said. “As a head coach, I acknowledge how it feels to be in a situation like this. I think the criticism is too much.
“He’s clearly a good coach, he’s won two trophies in two seasons. But I understand how it is: If the team wins, the head coach is absolutely fantastic; if the team loses, the head coach is absolutely s**t! Whereas it’s probably somewhere in between.”
Ten Hag acknowledged that he was unhappy with United’s form, but insisted that it would improve with time.
“We have to turn the corner, and that’s the strategy to turn this corner. We are quiet and composed, stick to the plan and are convinced we will turn the corner,” said the Dutchman.
“We face challenges in football, sometimes it goes up or down. I’m sure we will make this a success as we did the last two seasons,” he added after United lifted the League Cup in 2023 and won the FA Cup last term.
“Underneath I see good things, good patterns and good stats – that confirms we are in a good direction but the ranking (in the table) is not lying.”
United rank among the bottom three clubs in the Premier League in terms of goals scored, with just five this season.
Ten Hag said it was imperative for United’s attack to improve their finishing, adding: “We have to start scoring – that’s the most important part. We have to improve.
“We are entering the final third and the box, we are coming in good positions to score and now we have to make that most important step – to net.”
United have also had to contend with a number of injuries this term including Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro.
Despite right-back Diogo Dalot having to fill in on the left due to Shaw and Malacia’s absence, ten Hag said the injured duo would not be rushed back.
“We can’t force their return. We have to do it very carefully. We want them as soon as possible and we need a left-back that’s for sure. But we don’t want to bring them back and lose them,” he added.
Brentford also have their fair share of injuries with Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago and Gustavo Nunes all out, while Yoane Wissa and Mathias Jensen are doubts. REUTERS, AFP
