Erik ten Hag exclusive: 'We are used to it’ – Manchester United boss not bothered by job speculation
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Published 08/10/2024 at 10:59 GMT+1
Erik ten Hag is facing increasing pressure in his role as Manchester United manager after a poor start to the season at Old Trafford. A shocking 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday sparked fresh speculation about Ten Hag's future, but the Dutchman told TNT Sports that he is unconcerned. "We are used to it," he said. "Everyone is calm at the club... we have a long-term project."
'Everyone is calm' - Ten Hag urges Man Utd to 'stick to the plan' amid 'drama' talk
Video credit: TNT Sports
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told TNT Sports he is unconcerned about speculation over his job as he is “used to it”, insisting that “everyone is calm at the club” despite a tricky start.
Ten Hag’s side head to Porto on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, under pressure after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.
United’s meek performance, in which captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off, drew widespread criticism and fresh rumours about a managerial change.
They head to Portugal without a win in three games, including a draw at home to FC Twente in their opening European match, but Ten Hag brushed away any suggestion he was feeling the strain.
“No, not at all. We are used to it. At Carrington, no one looks up,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports.
“When we are losing, there is always drama at United, there is crisis around us, but we will stay calm.
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Man Utd v FC Twente Europa League highlights as visitors snatch shock point
Video credit: TNT Sports
“Everyone is calm at the club, we know where we are, on which pathway. We have a long-term project working together.
“There is a new leadership team. Also, I appointed the staff and we want to work long-term together. We came together but of course we have to improve our method of work.”
United’s poor performance against Spurs resulted in their third defeat of the season, but Ten Hag insists that Fernandes’ red card – which was later rescinded – played a part.
“We have to address that we played for a long time with 10 players. The red card, we all have seen, was overturned and I compliment the FA that they did this,” Ten Hag said.
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“But it’s a little bit frustrating for us to play for such a long time with 10 players, and we were still in the game.
“Of course, we have all seen also the first part of the game where we had problems, especially on the confidence side, where we lost it after that quick goal we conceded.
“We should stay calm, composed, stick to the plan and stay in the game.”
When asked if his players need to show more leadership on the pitch, he said: “In every game you need leadership.
“We have players who can lead, guide and show they will stand up in difficult occasions. Tomorrow is the next test.”
Ten Hag insists he has 'passion and fire'
Porto will pose a big test to United on Thursday, with the Portuguese giants looking to bounce back after a shock 3-2 defeat to Bodo/Glimt on the opening day in the Europa League.
They currently sit second in the Primeira Liga standings, three points behind leaders Sporting CP, and Ten Hag expects a tough challenge.
“This is a great atmosphere where we play tomorrow against a very good team,” he said.
“That always motivates. They have very good individual players but are also a very good team with a clear identity, so we’re looking forward to facing them.”
“Every game we have to win,” he added. “At United, the demand is winning. That will not change.”
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Ten Hag eyes Europa League success with Man Utd - ‘This club belongs in Europe’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ten Hag also responded to quotes from his former assistant Benni McCarthy, who said in an interview this week that the Dutchman lacks “fire” and “passion.”
“I don’t know what he means,” Ten Hag said.
“In the last six years I’ve won eight trophies. I don’t think you can do that without passion and fire.
“I always motivate my team. When you win trophies, you can’t do this without passion and desire.
“Everyone is different. But I don’t know if it’s taken out of context, if it’s real what he said, because I know him as a different person.”
Stream the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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