Erik Ten Hag insists managing Manchester United is not an impossible job
Manchester United are in a “bad place” but managing the Red Devils is not the impossible job, according to Erik Ten Hag. The Dutchman is the latest esteemed manager to flounder in his efforts to restore United’s place at the top of the game, with his side struggling at home and on their return to the Champions League. But, asked if he had the impossible job, Ten Hag said: “It’s the wrong way (to look at it). We have to fight. I think there is no club where it never goes down. “We are in a bad place but then you have to fight. You have to realise, everyone, that we are there and you have to fight together and you are on one page on every occasion.” Ten Hag cited Tuesday’s home loss to Galatasaray as an example of what is going wrong this season, saying: “We were for 28 minutes on one page, we score a goal and then in one split second we are not on one page. “It was the first shot the opponent got and straight in. You can’t allow it in top football because it’s about moments, it’s about details. Opponents will always benefit from it so we can’t allow these small details.” United have lost six of their 10 games so far this campaign, and there have been mutterings about Ten Hag’s future, which would only intensify should they suffer another setback against Brentford on Saturday. The former Ajax boss insisted he will not drop his ambitions but called for time, saying: “It’s patience, cool heads, but stick together and focus on what it’s about, the way of play. “I knew there would be gaps, would be setbacks, and there will be in every process. It’s coming probably more, that’s understandable. But focus on the things it’s about, and that’s football, and nothing else. “We are still in a transition but in the meantime we have to win every game and we don’t walk away from that. Not this team, not these coaches, not this manager, definitely not. That is the approach and that will be the approach always.” Asked if the tough times made him even more determined to succeed, Ten Hag added: “Absolutely. It even makes me more sharp and gives me more energy to fight to turn this.” Read More Leigh Wood: I’m Josh Warrington’s last chance to get back into title contention He’s not Superman – Mark Wood insists England cannot put pressure on Ben Stokes Roy Hodgson admits Crystal Palace are in midst of a ‘serious injury crisis’
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‘He has a decision to make’: Erik ten Hag delivers stark message to Harry Maguire
Erik ten Hag said it is up to Harry Maguire if he leaves Manchester United this summer after admitting that the dropped captain is unhappy with his situation. Maguire started only eight league games after losing his place following August’s 4-0 thrashing at Brentford and is Ten Hag’s third-choice right-sided centre-back, after Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof. England manager Gareth Southgate has described Maguire’s situation as “concerning” and suggested it will be hard to continue to pick him if he does not get regular first-team football. Ten Hag said he is keen to keep the £80m defender, who has two years left on his contract, and it will be Maguire’s choice if he moves now. “No one would be happy with this situation,” Ten Hag told the Times. “He is not as well. He trains always on best levels, so with 100 per cent effort. So he handles that situation well and he’s in that manner and in his captaincy he’s important for the squad. Let’s say I’m happy he’s here and when we needed him he did his job. But it’s also a decision he has to make.” Ten Hag also said that David de Gea may be on the bench at times if he stays at Old Trafford. The goalkeeper’s contract expires in the summer and the Dutchman reiterated that both club and player are keen for him to re-sign – but warned he may omit the Spaniard at times. The manager said: “I will not say he’ll always be my No. 1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.” Ten Hag insisted he is not satisfied with United’s season, despite finishing third in the Premier League, winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final. He explained at United’s annual awards ceremony: “After the start of the season, and then where we came from – we are happy, we are [going] in the right direction, but satisfied? No, we are not. We have to do better, that’s always the case. We have a foundation, we have a good base but we have to do better. “We want to go higher up, we want to increase our levels and we want to compete for the top two. So we have to demand more and increase our levels.” Marcus Rashford won the Sir Matt Busby award as United’s player of the year after scoring a career-best 30 goals this season. The forward was also named players’ player of the year while Antony won the prize for best goal for his spectacular winner against Barcelona in the Europa League. Read More Gareth Southgate sends Harry Maguire warning over Manchester United ‘situation’ How Erik ten Hag survived stunning lows to lead Manchester United’s unconventional revival Erik ten Hag finally within sight of matching a past Manchester United great... no, not that one Gareth Southgate knows Euro 2024 must go ‘very, very well’ to keep England job Gareth Southgate sends Harry Maguire warning over Manchester United ‘situation’ Football rumours: Spurs aim to keep reported Manchester United target Harry Kane
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