Erik ten Hag says Man United are in a better position than 12 months ago | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are in a better position than they were twelve months ago.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s final Premier League game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion, the manager was fielding questions about his team’s progress and replied:

“When you look at the results, you would say no. But we know the reasons behind that, so I would say yes. We have more high-quality players in the squad so, from that perspective, we are in a better position.”

The manager was then asked if he felt competing in the Europa Conference League next season would be embarrassing for a club of United’s stature.

“I never think in a negative scenario. We have the opportunity left in our own hands, so go for it,” he insisted.

He was asked whether the lack of Champions League football would make it difficult for United to attract the biggest stars this summer.

“I think, for every player, Manchester United is a very attractive club and of course you want to play at the highest levels,” he said.

“But if you want to go into a project in a club like Manchester United, I’m sure Manchester United is a very attractive club for every player.”

“I think that we develop some young players with high potentials that can really add to the quality levels of our squad. So, with the established players, they can make a very good mix and it can be a very strong squad that can compete at the highest levels.

“I think that is also what we showed this season against top teams that often we are very competitive.”

Whether Ten Hag truly believes what he is saying or not, nobody can know. But any claim that this season, which has seen United break several “worst ever” records in their history, has represented progress has to be plainly ridiculous.

Ten Hag was asked about Marcus Rashford’s altercation with a fan at the Newcastle match in the first part of the presser, available here. In the second part, he was pressed again on the subject and responded:

“There were 68,000 United fans against Newcastle – and they were so positive. It was a great vibe. It’s fantastic to play for this club. Marcus knows that. I haven’t spoken to him specifically.

“But I talk often with the players about this. It happens and you have to deal with it as a player. One person is not representative of many. You have to deal with that. Don’t react, don’t respond. Take it and move on with it.”

The match against Brighton kicks off tomorrow at 4pm.

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