October 18, (THEWILL) – Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has responded forcefully to speculation about his future at the club. The Dutch coach dismissed what he called “fairy tales and lies” regarding his position, asserting that he is not at risk of dismissal.
Ten Hag’s defiant stance comes amidst Manchester United’s poorest start to a top-flight season since 1989/1990. The team currently occupies 14th place in the English Premier League table, with only two victories from seven league matches this term. Their upcoming fixture against Brentford on Saturday is viewed as critical, especially considering the recent links between Brentford manager Thomas Frank and the Manchester United job.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ten Hag maintains that he retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his advisors. The 54-year-old emphasised that the club’s internal atmosphere remains calm, stating, “Internal in the club it is quiet.” The manager acknowledged the team’s disappointing position but insisted they are strategising to improve their performance.
Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford has been marked by notable achievements, including winning the League Cup in his inaugural season and clinching the FA Cup last term with a victory over Manchester City. However, the team’s inconsistent form continues to be a concern. Ten Hag likened the challenge ahead to climbing a mountain, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to overcome their current difficulties.
The Manchester United manager also addressed recent comments from former assistant coach Benni McCarthy, who suggested a disparity between players’ training performances and match-day displays. Ten Hag conceded that while the players have performed well in the past, there is a need for improvement in scoring, particularly in the final third of the pitch and inside the box.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
