Under-pressure Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused his critics of lacking football knowledge in a fierce defence of his record at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s future has been the subject of debate throughout his torrid second season at Old Trafford, with new minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe yet to make any public statement in support of the Dutchman.
United are at risk of missing out on European qualification entirely this campaign, though they will contest the FA Cup final against neighbours Manchester City on May 25.
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While some pundits – including former United defender Gary Neville – have called for Ratcliffe to give Ten Hag one more season, Jamie Carragher described the Red Devils as “the worst coached team in the Premier League” after Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, Ten Hag lashed out at his critics and defended his team’s recent performances.
“In almost every game except Palace, they have fought,” he told reporters. “There is a good team spirit. We saw it against Brentford, Chelsea, Liverpool, Coventry until 70 minutes.
“They were resilient against Sheffield United, and the physical output against Burnley, their third game in six days, was incredible.
“I see some comments. Either they don’t have any knowledge of football or managing a football team.”
Today’s agenda: #MUNARS 🔥#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/mlsyxtAnhV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 12, 2024
United have only won one of their last nine matches in 90 minutes across all competitions, drawing six and losing two, with two extra-time victories over Liverpool and Coventry in the FA Cup.
While Ten Hag’s second season in England has certainly not gone to plan, he says he has no regrets about taking on a job many have come to see as a poisoned chalice.
“I don’t regret being here for one second,” he added. “This is a massive club. You don’t know the challenges you have to face until you are in it, but I wanted this challenge.”
