Two consecutive 3-0 defeats at home, players who no longer seem to believe it, exasperated supporters, angry consultants and endless articles in England: Manchester United is the subject that has unleashed passions in recent weeks. With obviously a man in the center of the picture, Erik ten Hag. Rather spared at the start of the season despite the first defeats, he is today more than ever in danger, the first names of replacements starting to appear in the press.
He was therefore particularly expected this Friday at a press conference, on the eve of a trip to Fulham. But for a coach with his back to the wall, we have had more convincing experiences. “The reaction from the players was positive. They want to fix this, we know the standards here. We must rise to the occasion, every day. We had two big setbacks, but this locker room is strong, the staff is strong and this manager is strong”he said, visibly trying to convince himself more than the audience.
Ten Hag’s limp explanations
He tried to explain his game plan, while Manchester United seems to lack unity and conviction in recent times. So he also talked about the numerous injuries that prevent him from fielding the best possible team. “At the moment we find ourselves, with so many changes every game, we can’t play the same two or three games in a row. Last season it was the same but with maybe just one absence, but now we are often missing several players in defense. Every time we have to adjust and it doesn’t help in our routines, and in midfield we are also missing Casemiro. »
If he also ensured “not wanting to make excuses”, Erik ten Hag did not really convince with this media outing mainly intended to defend his playing principles. Arriving a year and a half ago, he benefited from the support of the club to make strong decisions (the case of Cristiano Ronaldo and more recently Jadon Sancho) but his credit was exhausted in the space of a few weeks, with this catastrophic start to the season. Today, even a trip to the 14th place in the Premier League looks like a significant obstacle for the Red Devils.
