Ten Hag on rumours about his future

Erik ten Hag has fired back at those pesky rumours about him getting the boot, calling them "fairytales."

October 18, 2024
6:44 pm

Erik ten Hag has brushed off the chatter about him being on the verge of getting sacked by Manchester United, calling the speculation “fairytales.” Even with the team’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, sitting in 14th place, the Dutchman is confident his job at Old Trafford is safe.

Ahead of a crucial home match against Brentford, Ten Hag tackled the swirling rumours about his future. “The only noise is coming from the media, making fairytales, creating stories,” he said. “Internally, it’s quiet. We’re all on the same page at this club.”

Despite the scrutiny over United’s rocky start, Ten Hag believes his project is still on track. “Of course, we’re unhappy with our position,” he admitted. “We have to turn the corner, but we’re composed, sticking to the plan, and convinced we’ll make it a success.”

Ten Hag’s optimism shines through, even with the pressure mounting. The team’s shaky defence and inconsistent attack have frustrated fans, but he sees the potential for a comeback. “We have a mountain to climb,” he said. “That’s top football – sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down. I’m sure we’ll make it a success, just like we did over the last two seasons.”

His reign started well, with a return to the Champions League and a Carabao Cup win in his first season. But this campaign has been tough, with injuries and tactical issues leaving the team struggling in the league.

Rumours swirled about Manchester United chatting with Thomas Tuchel over the summer as a possible replacement, adding fuel to the fire about Ten Hag’s future. While the club chose to stick with him, Tuchel has since become England’s manager, a move Ten Hag thinks is a smart one.

“I think it’s a very good choice from the FA,” he said. “He’s a top-class manager who knows how to create winning teams. England hasn’t won since 1966, and I think it’s a great appointment to help them succeed because they have world-class players.”

For Ten Hag, the focus is on getting United back on track. A win against Brentford could ease the pressure, but he knows there’s no quick fix. “The ranking doesn’t lie,” he admitted. “It’s not good enough. But underneath, I see good patterns, good steps that show we’re heading in the right direction.”

Despite the ups and downs, Ten Hag is committed to his long-term vision. “We have to stay quiet and composed. We know what we’re doing, and we believe in our strategy,” he said. “We just need to keep working, and results will follow.”

As United gear up to face Brentford, a team also linked with their current manager Thomas Frank, Ten Hag knows turning things around is crucial. While he may call the rumours “fairytales,” the reality is that United need a quick turnaround to ease the pressure and restore faith in his leadership.