Erik ten Hag sees potential despite terrible season for Manchester United
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during a lap of appreciation after their last home game of the season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – While it has been a season to forget for Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag said he has maintained a positive outlook because he sees the potential of his squad and understands the reasons behind the struggles.
United’s potential was on display in their entertaining 3-2 English Premier League home win over Newcastle United on May 15, as three of the team’s least experienced and youngest players – Kobbie Mainoo, 19, Amad Diallo, 21, and Rasmus Hojlund, 21 – scored.
“I see the positives, I see that this team are developing, I know the reasons why we are not performing,” ten Hag said.
“No team will perform when the whole (injury-depleted) back four are not available across the season.
“Even striker Hojlund, three times injured, (Marcus) Rashford also injured, so we have had our problems across the season and that has a negative impact on the results.”
He then reiterated: “(But) you see players progressing like the youngsters and that is very positive, there is a high potential in this club. So, there are also many positives in this season.
“But I can’t mention this. You know why – at the end of the day, we have to win trophies. And in the Premier League, and in the Champions League, we didn’t perform what people expect from us.”
The Red Devils remained eighth in the table but level on 57 points with seventh-placed Newcastle in the fight for a European berth next season.
United will qualify for the Europa League if they win the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
But if City triumph at Wembley, then seventh will be enough for a Conference League spot.
The victory at Old Trafford in their home finale felt like a reward for fans who have endured one of the worst campaigns in the club’s history, and ten Hag addressed the supporters, calling them “best in the world” after the final whistle.
“We wanted to thank them for sticking with us, we are in difficult times,” he told Sky Sports.
“We are in a transition at this club and the results are not what we expect. We also have our reasons, but it’s still a disappointing season.
“I am very pleased (with the win). In the past months we had many games where we were in winning positions but we couldn’t get over the line.”
United, who have never finished lower than seventh in the Premier League, play at Brighton & Hove Albion on May 19 and need to better Newcastle’s result at Brentford on the same day to move up to seventh – as their goal difference is vastly inferior to the Magpies’.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, whose side scored via Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall, rued their missed chances.
“I don’t think Man United hurt us a great deal but we conceded three goals. We looked good going forward, we did create chances but didn’t get enough bodies in the key chances,” he said. REUTERS, AFP
