Only Guardiola has been better than me — Erik ten Hag brags
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Manchester City s manager Josep Pep Guardiola (L) shakes hands with Manchester United s manager Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup Final between Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Only Guardiola has been better than me — Erik ten Hag brags

Faruq Ibrahim 22:59 - 22.07.2024

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ranks himself amongst other Premier League managers.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag spoke glowingly of his time at the club so far, emphasising that only Pep Guardiola has had more success trophy-wise in the duration. 

Ten Hag joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022, promising to return Manchester United to the lofty heights they enjoyed during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. 

However, it had largely been more of the same with other post-fergie managers. The Dutch manager came close to getting the sack last season after leading the Red Devils to their worst finish in the Premier League era (8th); however, he turned his fortune around when he beat Manchester City to the FA Cup title. 

What Ten Hag said 

Speaking about his time at the club, Ten Hag expressed that he is happy with the work he has done so far. He explained that only Manchester City (four) have won more than their two trophies (EFL Cup 2022/23, FA Cup 2023/24).

However, he admitted there was still work to do to improve the team. Despite the cup successes, the Red Devils have been underwhelming in the league. They finished 3rd in Ten Hag’s first season in charge but dropped to an eighth-place finish in his sophomore year. 

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrate with the FA Cup after winning during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United. (Photo Credit: Imago)
Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrate with the FA Cup after winning during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United. (Photo Credit: Imago)

“Of course [I feel stronger after winning the FA Cup],” Ten Hag told The Times. “This club didn’t win trophies before I came for six years.

“In two years, after Guardiola, we won the most trophies in English football. So we are in a strong position. Look, we can beat every opponent. Not one time, more than one time against City and also against Liverpool.

“But the truth is that there is a long way to go, we have to be more consistent and we need to create a winning culture. 

“It’s not only a dressing room winning culture; higher standards should be delivered across the whole club.”

Meanwhile, ten Hag has admitted to losing influence over the club's transfer policy; however, he believes it to be a step in the right direction.

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