Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has acknowledged that the club’s management is discontented with their current performance. With the team landing at 14th place and only securing three victories in 10 matches across all tournaments, ten Hag’s position has come under increased scrutiny just before the international break. The disappointment extends to the club’s management structure, namely Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees football policies, Omar Berrada, the CEO, and Dan Ashworth, the director of sports. Ten Hag stated that while the board is not content with the results, they are calm and confident in their strategy to accomplish their goals this season.
While the team’s performance has not been satisfactory, the fanbase at Old Trafford has largely continued to support ten Hag. When asked if he understood if their support would decrease if the outcomes don’t improve, he responded by saying that everyone is on the same page and experiencing the same issues. He urged everyone to stay united, reassuring them that their trust in the team will pay off, as it has in the previous two years.
Post Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, no manager has been able to complete three consecutive seasons in charge. When queried if he would require five seasons to transform United into more formidable contenders again, with the current season being his third, Ten Hag emphasised that he does not consider the time frame. His focus is winning every match, achieving success every season, and fulfilling the high standards needed to be victorious, his ultimate goal being to win trophies and titles.
In certainty, there’s barely another team globally where the standard set is as lofty, an expectation nurtured during the tenure of Sir Alex that we now have to bear. The benchmarks are unparalleled in every aspect, and we’re yet to meet these in all areas. We’ve not yet contended for dominion within the Premier League or Champions League, though this remains our aspiration.
“We’re faced with a steep uphill battle,” conceded Ten Hag. “Yet such is the nature of first-class football. You encounter hardships, the trajectory isn’t always upwards. Nonetheless, I’m confident we can replicate our accomplishments from the preceding two campaigns.
“We’re progressing. I perceive positive signs in our performances. Encouraging patterns and complimentary analytics indicate we’re moving in the right direction, however, our current standing is undeniable. It’s not satisfying.”
When Ten Hag was queried about whether he sought any guarantees from Ineos about his job security during the international hiatus, his response was succinct: “No.”
“The chatter stems only from certain elements of the media. They craft narrative, spin yarns and generate uproar based on untruths. Meanwhile, I’m assured we’re all in accord within the team.
“I communicated this prior to the hiatus, though evidently some reporters were sceptical as manifested in their coverage. Yet, within the club, there’s silence. Naturally, we debate our current unsatisfactory standing, discussing our next moves and the strategies needed.
“However, we remain tranquil, poised and committed to the agreed plan, firmly believing in our future success.”
A noteworthy update: Manuel Ugarte is now fit to play today (Saturday), following an injury sustained during a match for Uruguay.