In England, criticism of Manchester United is never far away. Since 2013, the club has not seriously competed for the league title, and Erik ten Hag has also not yet been able to reinvent the club as title contenders. The manager defended his own record on Saturday.
We have brought young players into the group, we have made young players better, and we have won trophies.
What more can I do? As far as I know, the fans are behind me. But it's not about me; it's about United. And yes, we set ourselves higher goals," said Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, at a press conference, a day before the highly anticipated match against Liverpool.
Ten Hag's statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of his performance since taking the reins at Manchester United. The club has been under a microscope from both the media and fans, as expectations are always high for a club of United’s stature. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to regain its status as a dominant force in English football, failing to consistently challenge for the Premier League title.
"We have very big ambitions, both the club and the club's management. Everyone sees the potential, and now we have to work very hard to achieve the goals," Ten Hag continued. His comments reflect the determination within the club to not only return to their former glory but also to build a team capable of competing at the highest level for years to come. "But as I said, we have won more trophies than anyone else in the last two years, except for Manchester City. So we have done better than all the other teams. That's the reality, those are the facts. This year, we also want to win trophies, and I think we are heading in the right direction."
Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Manchester United has shown signs of improvement. In his first two seasons, the team finished third and eighth in the Premier League. While these results may not fully satisfy the club's ambitions or the fans' expectations, they do indicate progress in building a more competitive squad.
Moreover, Ten Hag has managed to bring silverware back to Old Trafford, a significant achievement considering the club's recent history. In 2023, Manchester United won the League Cup, a victory that brought a sense of hope and optimism to the fans. This triumph was seen as a potential turning point, signaling a new era under Ten Hag's leadership.
A few months ago, Ten Hag guided United to another success by winning the FA Cup, adding another trophy to the club’s collection and further cementing his credentials as a capable manager. These achievements have been crucial in maintaining the support of the fans, who are eager for more success after years of frustration.
Despite these positive strides, Ten Hag is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The Premier League is more competitive than ever, with several clubs vying for the top spots. The pressure to deliver results is immense, and the expectation to compete for the Premier League title remains a constant demand.
Ten Hag’s approach has involved integrating young talent into the squad, emphasizing the development of players like Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Greenwood, and Brandon Williams. By focusing on nurturing young players and blending them with experienced ones, Ten Hag aims to create a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.
His philosophy aligns with Manchester United's tradition of promoting youth, a hallmark of the club's identity. However, building a successful team takes time, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League. Ten Hag’s emphasis on patience and long-term planning reflects his understanding that sustainable success cannot be achieved overnight.
As Manchester United prepares for their clash against Liverpool, a match always charged with emotion and intensity, Ten Hag’s comments underline his commitment to the club’s vision. He remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to guide Manchester United back to the summit of English football.
In the coming months, the scrutiny on Ten Hag and his team will only intensify as they navigate a challenging season. For now, the Dutchman remains confident in the direction the club is heading, believing that with hard work, ambition, and the support of the fans, Manchester United can achieve the success they aspire to.
