Erik ten Hag admission on Man Utd bosses speaks volumes after latest setback
Erik ten Hag is once again under intense scrutiny as Manchester United manager after their indifferent start to the season continued with a 1-1 draw against FC Twente
by Felix Keith · The MirrorErik ten Hag is convinced he has the backing of the Manchester United board, despite making a stuttering start to the season.
Ten Hag’s future is once again in the spotlight after United were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by FC Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday night. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a powerful finish before his mistake was seized upon by Sam Lammers, who beat Andre Onana at his near post.
The result, which Ten Hag blamed on his “complacent” players, means United have won just three of their seven matches across all competitions this season, beating Fulham with a late goal, 10-man Southampton and League One side Barnsley. They sit 11th in the Premier League having scored just five goals in five games – three of which came against the struggling Saints.
Ten Hag was backed in the summer transfer window, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe forking out £180million to sign Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte after deciding to keep the Dutchman following the FA Cup win. His position is under scrutiny again already, with the new-look executive team led by sporting director Dan Ashworth unlikely to accept mediocrity.
However, Ten Hag believes the United board are on the same page as him, in understanding that the project will take time to bear fruit. Speaking to Dutch media at Old Trafford after his former club Twente dealt him a blow, Ten Hag was open about where he sees himself.
Asked about criticism in the media, Ten Hag said, as per Soccer News NL : “If you lose at the top, you always have a problem, no matter which coach. The board knows that we are in a process and that we are building. It is much calmer now. If we are a few months further, I think we can really build a nice team.
“I’m used to that. That was the case at Ajax and it’s the case here. These are clubs that are always in the spotlight. Everyone has an opinion about it. You have to deal with that and not let it distract you, just keep working stoically.”
Ten Hag has survived intense scrutiny on a few occasions since being appointed United boss in April 2022. But his position has been precarious ever since Ratcliffe took over running the club from the Glazer family in February.
The INEOS billionaire brought in Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Ashworth to form a new brains trust behind the scenes. Ratcliffe gave serious thought to sacking Ten Hag over the summer, openly courting other managers, including Thomas Tuchel, before deciding to give Ten Hag a stay of execution and a new contract.
But with tricky fixtures against Tottenham, Porto and Aston Villa on the horizon before the next international break, the Dutchman is undoubtedly up against it. The two-week break from domestic fixtures has proved fatal for many managers before Ten Hag and, despite what he says, he knows he needs some wins in the next 10 days.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.