Erik ten Hag insists he has supporters’ backing and does not regret taking the Manchester United job despite the team’s underwhelming season.
Eighth-placed United host Arsenal on Sunday having won once in their past seven league matches, including Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, putting them at risk of missing out on European qualification.
Regardless of where United finish in the Premier League they will have the opportunity to reach the Europa League by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final at the end of the month, but the failings in the league have put Ten Hag’s position under the microscope, especially since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as minority owner at the club.
Arsenal finished eighth in Mikel Arteta’s first two seasons in charge but the club stuck with him and he has rewarded the backing with two title challenges.
“I think the fans have the patience, you’ve seen it on Monday,” Ten Hag said. “I see some comments they don’t. Either they don’t have any knowledge of football or they don’t have any knowledge about managing a football team or they just aren’t up to it. I think there are many people who see the problems and they are patient.”
United’s worst Premier League finish was seventh in 2013-14, the first season after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, an unwanted record that could be worse under the current incumbent.
“This is a massive club and you only realise that when you first come in, the things you have to face,” Ten Hag said. “But I wanted to take on this challenge and have not had one second when I regret that decision. I am really happy to be here.”
He added: “I did my job and in the first year I would say it was a good formation. We played to our levels, maybe we overperformed. In this one we haven’t and I know why, but we are still in an FA Cup final and that is a great achievement.”
after newsletter promotion
Ten Hag has been frustrated by the constant flow of injuries, meaning he has been unable to put out what he sees as his best team all season. “There has been great team spirit – not on Monday [against Crystal Palace] and that is why I was disappointed,” Ten Hag said. “Monday I was really disappointed and the players were disappointed with themselves, there was a collective failure.
“All the other games, we have fought with each other, showed good team spirit, now I can’t have any doubt about this.”