Erik ten Hag has vehemently responded to rumors suggesting he’s nearing dismissal at Manchester United, refuting any claims about losing support from a section of his players.
The Dutch manager has encountered ten defeats in 21 games this season, marking a series of challenges for Manchester United, prompting speculations about Ten Hag’s future, given it’s the club’s worst start since 1962/63.
Besides the disappointing results, there have been reports of discontent among senior players regarding Ten Hag’s ‘old school’ methods in training and tactics, hinting at a potential player mutiny.
Recent reports suggest Ten Hag has a limited window of three games to salvage his position, facing crucial fixtures against Chelsea, Bournemouth, and a vital Champions League clash versus Bayern Munich. Positive outcomes in these matches are essential for Ten Hag to alleviate mounting pressure.
However, even if United manages to triumph over Bayern, a victory for either FC Copenhagen or Galatasaray in the final Group A game could eliminate them from the Champions League.
During a press briefing ahead of the Chelsea clash, Ten Hag presented a resolute front, dismissing speculations about his relationship with the squad.
He addressed claims of discord within the team, stating, “Not in the dressing room. Of course, there are a lot of rumors, but it is not that we get distracted by it.”
He emphasized the team’s developmental journey, highlighting the emergence of young talents and their potential contributions to a prosperous Manchester United in the future.
Ten Hag insisted that his players stand united behind his leadership, citing several games where they showcased resilience and determination to support his tactical vision.
He emphasized the importance of an open dialogue with players, affirming his readiness to listen to differing opinions and preferences regarding the team’s playing style.
Regarding recent criticisms aimed at Marcus Rashford and the team’s performance against Newcastle, Ten Hag attributed the dip to fixture congestion, acknowledging that fatigue might have played a role but underlining the team’s self-critical approach to their game.
He refuted suggestions that Rashford is among those disengaged, stressing that disappointment following recent results is collective and not solely confined to one player.