SUMMARY
- Manchester United are all set to face Arsenal in the Premier League on May 12.
- Ahead of the match, United manager Erik ten Hag speak on criticism about himself.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has finally had enough of the tirades and criticisms hurled at him throughout the season. Ten Hag, since he arrived at United in 2022, has been under pressure to deliver results. However, both off-the-pitch and on-the-pitch issues have led to a run of poor performance from United leading to speculation arising over Ten Hag’s future.
During a recent press conference, Erik ten Hag rather aggressively defended himself against the criticisms he has been receiving of late. He said, “I see some comments (from pundits). Either they don’t have any knowledge of football or managing a football team.” He stressed how Manchester United’s long injury list has adversely affected the team’s results.
🚨 Erik ten Hag on people asking for him to be sacked: “I see some comments… either they don’t have any knowledge of football or they don’t have any knowledge about managing a football team”.
“I think there are many people who see the problems and they are patient”. pic.twitter.com/EGZB2eQ7jF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 11, 2024
According to Transfermarkt, Manchester United has suffered a total of 35 injuries throughout the season. Ten Hag has admitted in the recent few weeks that playing with a team where most of the defenders aren’t available has led to United’s lackluster performances. Most recently, Ten Hag announced that United midfielder Mason Mount has suffered a small injury and is expected to return in a few days.
Lastly, Erik ten Hag did confess that he feels there are some people who understand the problems at Manchester United. The Dutch coach admitted that those who do understand the issues are patient with him. While the season is just about to end and United hasn’t qualified for European soccer next season, Ten Hag must win the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City to salvage something out of what has been a very dismal season.
Former Manchester United star comes out to support Erik ten Hag
Former Manchester United star David Beckham has also had his say on Manchester United’s difficult 2023-24 season. Beckham, who spent 12 years at the club, admitted that it’s futile piling all the blame on Erik ten Hag. He said, “You’d hope that the manager doesn’t have to do much.”
‘FA Cup final against rivals should be enough motivation! If it’s not you’re in wrong team and you’re playing wrong sport!’ | David Beckham on Erik ten Hag motivating players for FA Cup final#manutd #manchesterunited #beckham
Full interview: https://t.co/g29RtMp7lh pic.twitter.com/eOW8x4ebLe
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) May 9, 2024
Beckham added that the motivation to perform well and contribute to the team should be instilled in the players. “You know you should be motivated when you’re a professional footballer and you’re doing the job that you love and you’re at the club that you love,” Becks said. Lastly, the English former international added a stern warning stating if a player can’t find motivation himself, he should either change his club or stop playing the sport.
Arsenal head coach admits it’s “difficult” facing Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United
Besides David Beckham, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also rushed to express his support for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Arteta and Ten Hag’s sides will take on each other on Sunday in what will be a season-defining clash for the Gunners. It is a must-win game for Arteta if he wants to win the Premier League provided Manchester City drop points.
🚨🚨🎙️| Mikel Arteta on Erik ten hag:
“Hopefully he gets the time because we are colleagues and we know how difficult it is in this league and what the margins are – hopefully that’s the case because I think he is an excellent coach.” pic.twitter.com/v5tCUn6DpR
— centredevils. (@centredevils) May 11, 2024
Speaking before the match, Mikel Arteta admitted that facing Erik ten Hag is a rather difficult job. He said, “I know how difficult it is to prepare against him, so I have huge respect for him.”
The Spanish coach also added that as Ten Hag’s fellow “colleagues“, he understands the intense competition in the Premier League and that he hopes that the United board deal with Ten Hag more patiently.
