Erik ten Hag asked Manchester United’s management to have faith in him on Tuesday, claiming that his track record demonstrates that he is the best man to rebuild the struggling club.
Ten Hag is under criticism after a rocky start to a season that began with great expectations after the Dutch manager led United to their first trophy in six years last season.
Ten Hag was expected to lead a title push after winning the League Cup, reaching the FA Cup final, and finishing third in the Premier League.
Instead, United’s 1-0 setback at Newcastle on Saturday was their 10th defeat in 21 matches in all competitions, putting them five points below the Premier League’s top four.
United, who visit Chelsea on Wednesday, are also in danger of being knocked out of the Champions League when they meet Bayern Munich in their last group match next week.
Ten Hag’s issues have been exacerbated by claims that a section of United’s squad has become disillusioned with his intensive training sessions and strict discipline.
United was enraged that they had been denied the ability to respond to the reports.
And when Ten Hag confronted the media on Tuesday, he came out fighting, arguing that he would finally prove that United’s owners, the Glazer family, were correct to hire him last year.
“Every journey will have difficult periods. “We’re on the right track,” he remarked.
“I am confident that we will arrive at our destination.” Because…look at my track record.
“Everywhere where I was, every season, I got my targets, so if we stick together, stick to the plan and the strategy, we will get where we want to be.”
‘We are all together.’
Ten Hag had managed Go Ahead Eagles and Utrecht before moving on to Ajax and securing a move to Old Trafford.
During his stint in command of the Dutch giants, the 53-year-old won three league titles and led them to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
When asked how long it would take to return United to similar heights, Ten Hag replied, “First and foremost, I can’t say in this club we are waiting for two, three years.”
“The goal, the demand, and the standards for this club should be that you win every game.”
“I expect my team and my players to win every game.” It makes no difference who the opponent is, and I will stick to that. That got us a long way last year.
“That mentality I don’t want to change this because that will be a drop-off in culture.”
Despite the claims, Ten Hag feels he has the players’ complete support as they prepare for another vital week.
“Oh yeah, I never had the idea they don’t (back me) because I know they would have dropped me against Fulham or Burnley if it was the other situation,” stated the Uruguayan.
“Of course, negativity is never a good thing.” You must take care that it does not deplete the energy.
“But I don’t mind because I know, and all the players know, that if we’re the biggest club in the world, or one of the biggest clubs, you get a lot of attention.”
“We’re all in this together.” There’s no way you’re by yourself there. In that boat, you’re all together.”