Manchester United's Erik Ten Hag: Battling Criticism Ahead of Crucial Match

Manchester United's Erik Ten Hag: Battling Criticism Ahead of Crucial Match 

Casemiro of Manchester United in discussion with Andre Onana after Newcastle United scored a goal to make it 0-1 during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 1, 2023 in Manchester, England.(Image-Getty)

Ahead of a critical Premier League match against Fulham, Manchester United's embattled manager, Erik Ten Hag, confronted media scrutiny with determination. With his team enduring a shaky start to the season, facing eight defeats in 15 matches, the under-pressure Dutchman has faced mounting criticism, with some suggesting that a loss at Craven Cottage could spell the end of his tenure.

Despite the team's recent setbacks, including consecutive 3-0 home losses to Manchester City and Newcastle United, Ten Hag displayed unwavering resolve and confidence in his team's ability to turn things around. "They're positive and they want to put this right. We know the standards here and we have to make the standards every day," Ten Hag asserted, emphasizing his faith in the strength of the squad and the coaching staff.

Manchester United, currently placed eighth in the league, has struggled to find consistency, having lost half of their Premier League games and five of their first 10 home matches across all competitions. Addressing concerns about the team's performance, Ten Hag underscored his belief in the players, acknowledging their potential for better results. "I'm convinced about the players in the dressing room," he stated. "We have seen last year they can do a lot better. But that is up to me to let them play better, and I take the responsibility for that and I will put every effort into getting this done."

In response to questions regarding his tactical approach and recent comments about the team's playing style, Ten Hag defended his philosophy and clarified his intentions. "I came here with my philosophy based on possession but also to combine it with the DNA of Manchester United and the players' competencies and characters," he explained. Highlighting the team's offensive strengths, he emphasized their commitment to pressing and playing from the back.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the team in implementing their game plan consistently, Ten Hag admitted the need for adjustments and a more pragmatic approach to secure victories. Despite the absence of midfielder Casemiro due to a hamstring injury, Ten Hag remained hopeful about the potential return of defender Raphael Varane, who had been sidelined due to illness.