Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hits out at sections of the media for “creating stories and fairytales” when it comes to his future at Old Trafford.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has hit out at sections of the media for “creating stories and fairytales” and “bringing lies” when it comes to his future at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, as Man United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, picking up only eight points from seven matches to sit 14th in the Premier League table.
There had been suggestions that Ten Hag would be sacked as manager during the October international break, but he has kept his job and will lead the team into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
Ten Hag came out fighting during his pre-match press conference, insisting that the only “noise” surrounding his future has come from sections of the media, with the club still backing the 54-year-old.
“Noise is only coming from some of you (media), creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies. (Some) Journalists didn’t believe me. I saw the reports,” BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone quotes Ten Hag as saying.
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Ten Hag hits out at media for “creating stories”
“Of course, we are unhappy with the position where we are. Ultimately, we are quiet and composed. We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success.”
Ten Hag said that his side “have to climb a mountain”, but they are prepared to take on the “challenges” ahead of them.
“We have to climb a mountain, but that’s top football, sometimes you have to face challenges, but I’m sure we will make a success, just like we did in the last two seasons,” the Manchester Evening News quotes the manager as saying.
“I see the good things, good patterns and the good stats that confirms we’re in a good direction, but the ranking doesn’t lie and where we are isn’t good enough.”
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Ten Hag confirms quick-fire Mazraoui return
Ten Hag also confirmed during his press conference that Noussair Mazraoui would be available against Brentford despite only recently undergoing a minor heart procedure.
However, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire have been ruled out due to muscular injuries, while Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro remain on the sidelines.
“Injuries do not help, for sure, you need players available to perform. Kobbie and Harry are out for a couple of weeks, but Mazraoui is good news. He has returned on the training pitch and is available tomorrow,” he added.
“We can’t force their (Malacia, Shaw) return and have to do it clever. We don’t want them to return and quickly drop out, but of course, we hope they come back as soon as possible because this team needs a left-full back.”
Manuel Ugarte faces a late fitness test, meanwhile, with the midfielder picking up a minor injury while representing Uruguay during the October international break.