Erik ten Hag is a man under no shortage of pressure.
The same could be said for any Manchester United manager, but after a poor start to the season more questions are beginning to be asked of the Dutchman and whether he is the right man for the job.
Reports during the international break suggested INEOS are still backing Ten Hag to turn things around, although that came with a lot of speculation at a time England announced Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.
Ten Hag decided to hit back at this afternoon’s press conference after telling reporters prior to the break that he knew the owners were on the same page as him in terms of continuing his job as manager.
Erik ten Hag sits out at sections of the media
Ten Hag took a moment to reply to the speculation that has surrounded his job throughout the October international break.
The Dutchman accused sections of the media of “creating stories and “fairytales” and “bringing lies” to the table when it comes to his future at Old Trafford.
United are currently 14th in the Premier League and face Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank spoke out about the scrutiny Ten Hag has faced as being ‘too much’.
Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag said (via Manchester Evening News): “The noise is only coming from the media, from some of you, not all of you, creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies because I know we’re on one page within this club. I said before the break but several journalists probbaly didn’t believe me. Within the club, it’s quiet.”
The noise will never leave United because the media cover us more than any other club. Every little angle gets the microscope treatment, with herds of clowns looking to criticise anything United do.
The ABU press.
Ten Hag has learned we’re better off without but there is no getting rid of it. He needs to win football matches.