Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, expressed his determination to address the team’s underperformance, especially after their recent defeat to Nottingham Forest. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the club and the pressure to deliver better results, Ten Hag remains confident in his ability to persuade Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the influential figure in football operations due to his 25% ownership, that he is the ideal long-term manager for the club.
Reflecting on the recent setbacks and the team’s struggles, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of setting high goals and targets in collaboration with Ratcliffe. He highlighted the presence of Sir Dave Brailsford and the esteemed former manager Sir Alex Ferguson during the match, signaling the support and scrutiny surrounding the team.
Ten Hag firmly believes that once the injured players return, the team’s strength will be amplified, leading to improved fortunes for Manchester United. However, he lamented the absence of striker Rasmus Højlund due to illness during the recent match and expressed concerns about disrupting the team’s rhythm by making necessary changes, especially after their previous victory against Aston Villa.
In essence, Ten Hag stressed the need for consistency, better performance, and his personal responsibility in steering the team towards progress, viewing the current phase as part of a larger project. He remains resolute in his belief that the team can attain more consistency and success moving forward.