Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United’s results must improve as pressure mounts on him | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that he must deliver positive results in order to retain the support of club chiefs.

Ten Hag narrowly kept his job in the summer after an extremely poor and disappointing 2023/24 season that saw United finish in eighth position in the Premier League, their worst-ever finish since 1989/90.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS contemplated permanently parting ways with the Dutchman and it’s believed they even held exploratory talks with some potential results. However, after a lengthy season review, the new United ownership group elected to afford him more time, thanks in large to his brilliant FA Cup final win over cross-town foes Manchester City.

The new season has so far been underwhelming, with the Red Devils losing two of their opening three top-flight fixtures. The manner of the defeat at the hands of Liverpool in particular, just before the September international break, left a lot to be desired.

The result of United’s woeful performances and results have been increased scrutiny and criticism directed at Ten Hag and once again, the pressure is back on.

Ahead of his side’s clash vs. Rusell Martin’s Southampton on Saturday, Ten Hag spoke to reporters and admitted that results must improve soon.

The 54-year-old said [via The Mirror], “In football you have to win, you have to deliver, that’s clear.”

“It’s good that the new leadership acknowledge this and says this. We are working together to be more successful and we have higher targets than we’ve already achieved.”

He explained that it will take time to get things right but suggested that all the responsibility should not fall on his shoulders.

“It’s not only to do with me.”

“Nobody can deny in these last eight or nine months a lot has happened to this club. There’s a new leadership team, a new structure and ownership structure, a new leadership team – a huge turnaround, I would say.”

“But we have to win all the games and that will always be the approach. It doesn’t change for any game.”

Southampton vs. United kicks off at 12:30 BST.

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