Erik ten Hag is adamant he still has the backing of Manchester United’s hierarchy as the under-fire boss prepares for a crucial Premier League clash at Aston Villa. Just three months after signing a contract extension, Ten Hag is fighting to save his job following a troubled start to the season.
Sunday’s dismal 3-0 home defeat against Tottenham was compounded by a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, where United needed Harry Maguire’s late goal to rescue a point after blowing a two-goal lead.
Currently, United languish in 13th place in the Premier League, with only two wins from six games, following an eighth-place finish that marked the club’s worst season since 1990. Despite winning the FA Cup last season and the League Cup a year earlier, the pressure on Ten Hag is mounting. A loss to Villa would significantly jeopardize his hopes of avoiding the sack in his third season at Old Trafford.
When asked if he sensed patience among the United fanbase and hierarchy, Ten Hag responded, “I’m not thinking about such issues because that is not a topic. We are in there together—the ownership, the leadership team, the staff. I appointed a new staff, we bought again new young players, and we have to integrate them.”
He acknowledged the challenges in integrating new players, citing the example of Manuel Ugarte, stating that while they want to improve the squad, it takes time. “And I know in top football you don’t get time; they have to perform immediately, but it’s not always realistic.”
Ten Hag’s confidence does not overshadow the numerous issues afflicting a United team that currently lacks defensive solidity, cohesion in midfield, and a cutting edge in attack.