Manchester United’s Ten Hag Hits Back at Media Rumors

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused the media of fabricating “fairytales and lies” regarding his future at the club. The pressure mounted on Ten Hag as he headed into the international break without a win in five matches including a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham. After that loss, former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp suggested on Sky Sports that Ten Hag appeared “out of his depth.”

With United sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, many speculated that the 54-year-old could be dismissed during the break, especially following a United board meeting in London attended by members of the Glazer family and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. However, Ten Hag remains in charge and emphasized that journalists have overlooked his comments after the goalless draw against Aston Villa on October 6.

In that match, he expressed confidence in the support he was receiving at Old Trafford. “The noise is only coming from some of you, creating stories and fairytales and bringing lies,” Ten Hag stated. “Internally, it is quiet.” Manchester United faces Brentford next needing a win to avoid going six games without a victory in all competitions for the first time in five years. Brentford managed by Thomas Frank, has not won at Old Trafford since 1937.

Additionally, the decision to remove Sir Alex Ferguson as a paid ambassador at the end of the season sparked significant backlash from former players with Eric Cantona calling the move “scandalous.” Ten Hag acknowledged the impact Ferguson’s legacy has on the current squad, admitting that they fall short of the standards set during Ferguson’s tenure which included 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League victories. He noted, “We will definitely need him in the short term.”