Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out in support of Erik ten Hag, who believes the pressure on the Manchester United position is unwarranted, amid allegations he is on the verge of being fired and that the Red Devils are already looking for a world-class successor.
Ten Hag almost avoided the axe this summer, with FA Cup win bringing him his second piece of trophy during his Manchester United tenure. However, with only three victories from seven matches this season, the Red Devils are in 11th position heading into Sunday’s showdown against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
The sloppy midweek draw against FC Twente looks to have fuelled speculation that Ten Hag will soon be fired, but Postecoglou has provided his colleague a robust defence, believing he has done a decent job and that detractors would never be satisfied.
“I think Erik’s in a really tough job and he’s done really well,” the Tottenham manager told reporters before of the teams’ meeting on Sunday.
“He continues repeating that he’s won two trophies, which is not inconsequential; everyone keeps telling me that’s all I have to accomplish, but it’s not, because there’s always more. He’s done an excellent job in a tough situation.”
Speaking specifically about the Manchester United position, the Australian went on to say, “I don’t know who created the slogan ‘the difficult job’, but I think it’s gotten even more impossible now.
“It appears that success is insufficient without identity, and identity is insufficient without beauty. Aesthetics are insufficient unless they are supported with legacy.
“There is always another layer. It appears like no one is doing a decent job until they win the competition at the end of the year. There doesn’t appear to be any awareness of development or the difficulties that individuals must work under at times.”
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Postecoglou insists. Ten Hag, like many others, must learn to deal with the strain, explaining: “It’s just the nature of the position. I don’t think that will change. I suppose it comes down to how you react to it, how you allow it to effect you.
“The more experience you have maybe the better you deal with these things.”
Despite those words of compassion, Postecoglou could add the pressure on Ten Hag with a win on Sunday, delivering his third defeat in six Premier League games this season.
Such a win would truly turn the screw, and TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Gillan claimed on Thursday that Ten Hag is certainly on ‘borrowed time’ at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils already actively exploring prospective alternatives for the Dutchman.
He added that doubts are already being raised about how long they will allow their current predicament to continue, and that the Man Utd board felt obligated to grant Ten Hag an extension during the summer due to a failure to attract a better offer.
As a result, Gillan claims sources have informed him that there are genuine fears that little has changed this season and that Ten Hag is incapable of guiding United back to the top. As a result, they are already looking for a coach, with it being characterized as ‘only a matter of time’ until the axe falls.
That revelation came shortly after a report earlier on Thursday said that Ten Hag was highly expected to lose his job before Christmas, with Ruud van Nistelrooy emerging as the new favourite to replace him from a four-man shortlist.
Manchester United to launch a new offer for fantasy Ratcliffe signing as Arsenal striker signs.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is being urged to make a fresh January approach to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to make a new offer for a youngster he feels is destined for success.
Over the summer, United made several proposals for the once-capped England international, but Everton turned them all down. Despite the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, Ratcliffe’s interest in Branthwaite remains strong, and a further effort to lure him away might come in the winter window.
Meanwhile, teenage striker Chido Obi-Martin may legally join Manchester United, according to rumors that the Premier League has finished the ‘ratification procedure’ for his transfer from Arsenal.
The trade was negotiated during the summer season, but due to a delay in ratification, United have now been given permission to complete the transfer outside of the window, however it is unknown what compensation they will have to pay the Gunners.
Ten Hag’s poor European performance isn’t helping
Ten Hag has managed 19 matches for United in both the Champions League and the Europa League, but has only won nine, drawn four, and lost six.
This season’s campaign began poorly with a draw versus the lowest-ranked team in terms of coefficient that United would face at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
Following Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Tottenham, United return to Europa League play on Thursday with a challenging away fixture at FC Porto.
Only winning both games will keep the wolves away.
