Erik ten Hag: “We Are Going to Make a Success of This Season”
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remained defiant in the face of mounting pressure following a challenging start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. After suffering a crushing 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, Ten Hag stressed his belief that the Red Devils can still turn things around, urging fans to stay patient and trust in the long-term plan.
Ten Hag’s call for unity comes as Manchester United braces for two crucial fixtures against FC Porto in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the Premier League. With his team sitting in the bottom half of the table after six games, these matches are pivotal for the Dutchman as he looks to reignite the club’s season and prove that they are still contenders.
United’s Struggles So Far: A Worrying Start
Manchester United’s start to the season has been far from ideal. Two wins from their opening six Premier League matches have left the club languishing in the bottom half of the table, with concerns growing both inside and outside Old Trafford. The recent 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham was a particularly low point, with many pundits and fans criticizing the lack of cohesion, intensity, and attacking threat.
Gary Neville, a former United defender and current pundit, was especially vocal, calling the performance “disgusting” and labeling it the worst he had seen under Ten Hag’s management. Neville’s comments echoed the frustration of many supporters who feel that the team has regressed from last season, where they finished second in the league and lifted the FA Cup.
However, despite the mounting criticism, Ten Hag is adamant that his team can recover and still achieve their objectives for the season. He believes that a combination of patience, perseverance, and faith in the process will allow Manchester United to bounce back.
Ten Hag’s Defiant Message: Stick to the Plan
In the face of growing pressure, Erik ten Hag delivered a clear and confident message: “We are going to make a success of this season.” His belief in the team’s potential is unwavering, and he called on the players, staff, and fans to stay united during this difficult period.
“Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about,” Ten Hag said in his interview with Sky Sports. “We can sort the problems out; this team can sort this out. We know we have the quality to succeed, and that is what we are working toward every day.”
Ten Hag also emphasized the importance of sticking to the long-term plan that was set in place when he took over at Old Trafford. He highlighted the need for patience, as the club is still in a transitional phase, integrating younger players into the squad and working on solidifying a new footballing culture.
“We are in a transition at Manchester United,” he said. “From the moment I came in, we knew we had to change. We had to replace some older players, and our choice was to bring in young players. This takes time to get the messages across and introduce a new culture. But I believe we are on the right path.”
The Challenge Ahead: Crunch Matches Against Porto and Aston Villa
While Ten Hag remains optimistic about Manchester United’s season, the immediate future will be a test of both his philosophy and his leadership. Manchester United’s next two games, a Champions League tie against FC Porto and a Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, could prove to be pivotal.
The match against Porto is crucial for United’s European campaign. Having started the group stage with a draw, securing points in Portugal is essential to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds alive. In the Premier League, a trip to face Aston Villa, who have shown solid form this season, will be no easy task.
Many have speculated that poor performances in these matches could intensify discussions about Ten Hag’s future at the club. However, the Dutchman has dismissed such concerns. “I’m not thinking about it. I’m not anxious,” he said when asked if he feared for his job.
Ten Hag has the backing of Manchester United’s leadership for now, but he will need to show progress to maintain that support. The team’s results in these upcoming fixtures could play a key role in determining whether he can continue to implement his vision or if changes will be necessary.
ALSO READ:
- Erik ten Hag Faces Make-or-Break Week: Who Should Replace Him at Manchester United?
- Erik ten Hag Dismisses Sacking Fears Despite Manchester United’s Crushing Loss to Tottenham – Best Betting Prediction
- “We Are All on the Same Page”: Ten Hag Dismisses Sacking Rumors After Manchester United’s Defeat to Tottenham
Ten Hag’s Relationship with the Board: Stability Amid Uncertainty
Despite the challenges, Ten Hag is confident that he has the backing of the Manchester United board. According to him, there is a strong alignment between the leadership team and the management regarding the club’s long-term strategy.
“We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership,” Ten Hag explained. “We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy is to bring in young players during this transition period.”
This support from the board has allowed Ten Hag to bring in his preferred coaching staff and play a role in recruitment. However, there is recognition that if the team’s poor form continues, this trust may be tested.
While the board understands that Manchester United is in a period of transition, results remain the ultimate measure of success. Ten Hag, who led United to Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories in his first two seasons, is determined to add to that trophy haul and restore the club to the top of English football.
Can Ten Hag Turn It Around? A Question of Belief
One of the key challenges Ten Hag faces is ensuring that the players maintain their belief in the process, even in the face of adversity. “If you lose your faith, you lose everything,” he said. “We have to keep going and stick to the plan.”
The Dutchman pointed to the spirit within the squad, emphasizing that despite setbacks, there is still a strong sense of unity among the players. “We have seen in this group there is a good spirit. Even after the setbacks [in the Spurs defeat], they kept going. You see that spirit in this team.”
Ultimately, Ten Hag’s success will depend on his ability to rally the team, instill confidence, and improve performances on the pitch. If he can do that, Manchester United’s season could still be salvaged. If not, the club may face another period of upheaval and uncertainty.
