Erik ten Hag issues Man Utd warning amid claims he's turned things around
Erik ten Hag insists he never wavered in his belief that he could turn Manchester United's fortunes around - but warned that the Reds' season is still in the balance.
United are back in the hunt for Champions League qualification after a six-game unbeaten run that has also taken them into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford has come under increasing scrutiny during a campaign, which has seen his team crash out of Europe and lose 14 of their 34 games.
And the Dutchman seemed to suggest that he still feels he has to prove himself to United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the coming months.
Ten Hag said: “First of all, I think it’s too quick to say we have turned a corner. We are not there yet, we are still not in a position to say so. We are back in the race, but not in the position we want to be at this club – that is a minimum of the top four - so we have to catch up and we are still doing that.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“But I do think that now we are going in the right direction. I was always convinced we would once the players were available. With this squad, I knew that with me and my coaching staff and players, and the togetherness, we have the quality to play for the top four. Of course over the season we had to prove it – but I was always convinced we would.”
Ratcliffe has moved quickly in his bid to resurrect United both on and off the pitch. Britain’s richest man is committed to either revamping or rebuilding Old Trafford completely in a development that will cost between £1billlion and £6billion depending on what option is taken.
Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has snatched Omar Berrada out of Manchester City's boardroom to become the club’s new chief executive and are in talks with Newcastle's sporting director Dan Ashworth to take up a similar role with United.
Ten Hag was part of an Ajax dream team that included chief executive Edwin van der Sar and director of football Marc Overmars. Working in tandem they shared a philosophy that led to three successive Dutch titles as well as the brink of the 2019 Champions League Final.
Erik ten Hag still feels the pressure to impressTen Hag said: “I am working very good here - but that (Ajax) is a good example. When we started that (2018-19) season with Ajax, no one expected us to achieve the Champions League semi-finals.
“We were already happy just to be in the Champions League because we had to go to three pre-rounds just to qualify. No one expected us to progress so quickly - and that can also happen here. Sometimes a season is not going the way you want. All the injuries we have had in autumn means you can’t play on the highest levels.”
That glut of injuries has forced Ten Hag to rely on youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to save United’s season.
They travel to struggling Luton knowing they can’t afford any slip-ups after a six-game unbeaten run that has taken them to the cusp of the Champions League qualifying places and the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Ten Hag is aware that he must continue the United tradition of blooding homegrown talent. But after a UEFA study confirmed that the most expensive squad in football last season was housed at Old Trafford, he declared that the club must continue to challenge in the transfer market.
Asked if United wasted a fortune on flops before his arrival, Ten Hag said: “I can’t tell because I wasn’t here. It is difficult to have an opinion about that.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
“The only thing I know is Man United will always be a buying club - but I think history proves it always gives opportunities from the academy through to the first team if a player deserves it. It’s in the DNA. In my opinion, there were players who had the potential. We have given them the time to develop and progress.
“We have been mentoring them in their way through because we saw their potential was higher than the current squad in that moment and in those positions. You see when you give them the opportunity, they progress so quickly and bring the team to higher levels in the long-term.”
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
