Ten Hag reveals what he told his team after the game against Tottenham at Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing huge pressure after a crushing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, according to UnitedinFocus.
Following a lackluster 1-1 draw against FC Twente earlier in the week, United supporters were hopeful for a strong response, particularly against a side that could be seen as a direct competitor for European qualification.
However, what unfolded at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a disastrous performance from the Red Devils.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring early, with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke adding to the misery, sealing a comprehensive win for Spurs.
While some may point to Bruno Fernandes’ red card as a turning point, Manchester United had already been struggling prior to the sending-off.
The captain’s dismissal only compounded their woes, and Ten Hag will now have to manage without him for the next three matches.
The defeat has raised more questions about United’s progress under Ten Hag, with fans expressing concern over the team’s lack of improvement.
Sunday’s game marked one of the lowest points of the season, and the Dutch manager now faces the daunting task of preparing his squad for a crucial Europa League match against Porto.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag attempted to rally his team, urging them to leave the loss behind and focus on the challenges ahead. “I told them just in the dressing room, ‘come on, tomorrow is a new day,’” Ten Hag said.
The United boss stated the need for better decision-making, especially in terms of ball retention and pressing.
“We have to do things better, we have to be better in the pressing, especially also better on the ball because there were situations where we could have played better,” he added.
According to 90min, Manchester United has made a start to the 2024/25 season that mirrors their performance under David Moyes during his troubled 2013/14 campaign.
The team’s disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday leaves them with just seven points from their first six Premier League matches, with Erik ten Hag’s squad winning two, drawing one, and losing three.
Similar to Moyes’ tenure, Ten Hag’s team currently sits in 12th place in the Premier League standings after six games, and they could fall to 13th if Bournemouth wins against struggling Southampton on Monday evening. Both Moyes’ team and Ten Hag’s side have conceded eight goals in their opening six matches, but the current squad has a worse goal difference, having only scored five goals compared to the eight netted by Moyes’ team 11 years ago.
Defensive struggles have been a significant concern for Ten Hag, who has witnessed his United side concede three goals for the 23rd time during his tenure. The pressure on Ten Hag is substantial; however, he claims he does not fear being dismissed by the club. He believes that United remains committed to him as part of a long-term vision.
Manchester United are currently 12th in the Premier League after another poor start to the season.
The Red Devils were humiliated by Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday in another disappointing result for Erik ten Hag and his team.
The Dutch manager faced an uncertain future at the club this summer but after talks co-owners, the hierarchy decided to keep him at the club, a decision which seemed highly influenced by Man United’s FA Cup win against Manchester City.
After getting backed by the club financially this summer and given five new players in the transfer window, Ten Hag has failed to make a positive impact at the club and it feels like it is not going to get better any time soon.
According to Daily Star, Man United have identified Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi as Ten Hag’s replacement at the club.
The Italian manager won the league title with Inter last season and has guided the Serie A giants to a total five trophies.
He also managed to take Inter Milan to the Champions League final in 2023, where they were beaten by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.
The Italian manager is considered a master tactician and his playing style is appreciated throughout the world.
Man United have their eyes on Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if the Italian would be interested in taking over the Man United job, a job that has proved to be too difficult for some of the best managers in the world.
Gareth Southgate is part of the Man United shortlist
Along with Inzaghi, former England boss Gareth Southgate is the other leading candidate for the Man United job.
Southgate has admirers at Old Trafford, particularly in sporting director Dan Ashworth, who worked with the former England manager for the Football Association.
It is not only Ten Hag’s league form that is a huge concern but also his team’s form at the European stage.
Man United played a 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their first match of the Europa League this season. They face Porto in the next match which is not going to be easy either.
The Premier League giants are struggling to perform, with the team only four points above the relegation zone at the moment.
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