Erik ten Hag reveals what board have told him about Man Utd future as sack speculation engulfs club

Erik ten Hag reveals what board have told him about Man Utd future as sack speculation engulfs club

Watch now: Paul Coyte's sport round-up

Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 15/12/2023

- 13:42

Updated: 15/12/2023

- 15:05

Erik ten Hag is coming under increasing pressure at Manchester United after finishing bottom of their Champions League group.

Erik ten Hag has stated that he has the backing of Manchester United's board amid reports of the club looking at potential replacements.

United crashed out of Europe this week after finishing bottom of their Champions League group and face a tough trip to Anfield this weekend to try and lift their spirits.


They've already been dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle and are in a battle to secure a top-four finish.

It's a far cry from where United were at the end of last season with strong optimism from Ten Hag's debut campaign in charge.

Julen Lopetegui is 'very well positioned' to replace Erik ten Hag

Julen Lopetegui is 'very well positioned' to replace Erik ten Hag

PA

Summer transfers haven't paid off with Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to make an impact.

More experienced players such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane have also suffered dips in form with Ten Hag struggling to find a winning formula.

Reports in Spain have stated that Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford is now 'extreme' and that Julen Lopetegui is 'very well positioned' to replace the United boss.

But Ten Hag has indicated that he still has the full backing of the United board heading into the busy festive period.

“I feel that and they tell that," Ten Hag said.

"That’s fine, that’s ok but I’m focusing on the process and making this team better, making these individuals better.

"There is no concern because I'm here to win and I have to make the team play better.

"Good is not good enough, we are inconsistent and I have to work on how the team will play."

United are still scarred from last season's trip to Anfield when Jurgen Klopp's side ran riot in a 7-0 demolition.

There have been fears raised this week that a similar result could be on the cards given the form and the atmosphere around the two teams.

Manchester United are in desperate need of a boost

Manchester United are in desperate need of a boost

PA

Ten Hag accepts that last season was a disaster, but has challenged his squad to take revenge on that 7-0 humiliation.

"I haven't seen last season we were scared there.

"It was a bad experience, but it's not similar, you start again. Last year, the first half we played very decent and we got hammered just after half-time, then we collapsed.

"That can't happen but it's last year, it's a different team and different players for a part at least.

LATEST SPORT NEWS:

"We won't ignore it, but we'll be confident and we have to fight, challenge and go there with the idea, to prepare to win."

You may like