Why Erik Ten Hag is confident that he will still have his job despite Manchester United's recent dismal shows

Why Erik Ten Hag is confident that he will still have his job despite Manchester United's recent dismal shows

Eric Munene 09:22 - 30.09.2024

Manchester United's hierarchy decided to stay with Ten Hag but their faith has been put to test on several occasions

Erik ten Hag has firmly dismissed rumours regarding his potential sacking as Manchester United manager, despite a challenging start to the season that has left the team under intense scrutiny.

Following a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Ten Hag faced renewed questions about his future at Old Trafford, but he remains resolute in his belief that the team can improve.

United showed signs on improvement, securing dominant victories against Southampton and Barnsley, scoring 3 and 7 goals respectively.

These performances seemed to signal that the team was finding its rhythm. However, a frustrating series of results followed, including draws against Crystal Palace and Twente, leading to a sense of unease among supporters.

Last season was tumultuous for Ten Hag, who managed to keep his job after a dramatic FA Cup victory over rivals Manchester City, which provided a brief reprieve from mounting pressure.

Ultimately, United finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League and bottom of their UEFA Champions League group, prompting discussions within the club hierarchy about his future.

After much deliberation, they opted to give the Dutchman another chance, with the hope of rebuilding the squad and restoring the club’s fortunes.

In the wake of the defeat to Tottenham, Ten Hag spoke to the media, addressing concerns about his job security. “No, not thinking about this,” he asserted.

“We all made a togetherness decision to stay together as an ownership and as a leadership group in the summer. We knew it would take some time because of how the window went. Some players were late in like [Manuel] Ugarte, and we have to integrate him now.”

He emphasized the need for patience, stating, “We are all there on one page, one boat, together—ownership, leadership group, staff, and the players. So I don’t have that concern.”

Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in dealing with injuries and the need for further organizational improvements.

Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag remains focused on his vision for the club, urging his players to learn from their experiences and adapt. “Of course, there’s always a new game, there will be a new day, and it’s obvious you have to learn as a team,” he added.

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