“Over-performing last year, under-performing now” – Erik ten Hag reveals plans to REVIVE Manchester United’s fortunes amidst pressure

INEOS' sports director, David Brailsford was present during United-Forest clash.

“Over-performing last year, under-performing now” – Erik ten Hag reveals plans to REVIVE Manchester United’s fortunes amidst pressure

Erik ten Hag spoke about United's under-performing season following loss to Nottingham Forest. (Image via Sky Sports)

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag in an interview expressed confidence in his abilities to reverse the team’s fortunes at Old Trafford. He suggested that while they exceeded expectations last season, this season has seen them fall short, acknowledging the pressure on his position after the team’s ninth defeat of the campaign to Nottingham Forest.

Following their victory over Aston Villa earlier in the week, Manchester United reverted to their inconsistent form with a 2-1 loss against 15th-placed Nottingham Forest. Marcus Rashford breaking his goal drought might have been a bright spot, but it didn’t suffice to help the Red Devils secure back-to-back wins. This defeat dropped them to 7th place, trailing by nine points from the top four. Manager Erik ten Hag faces mounting pressure, amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s acquisition of a quarter stake in the club, raising expectations.

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Speaking to the press, Ten Hag expressed strong belief in the team’s ability to progress consistently and improve the atmosphere among disappointed fans at Old Trafford. He emphasized that this season is part of a broader project aimed at building Manchester United. While disappointed by the team’s under-performance compared to last season’s third-place finish, which he considered an over-achievement, he urged the players to elevate their performance, suggesting that as a manager, there’s limited room for him to influence the situation.

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We have already proved against the top teams that we can go head to head. I am convinced and I have strong belief that we can get progress in this team and get more consistency than this moment. It is part of a project. We were over-performing last year, and this year, so far we are under-performing. We have to do better and step up.
Erik ten Hag told Sky Sport reporters

The Dutch manager highlighted Manchester United’s ongoing injury woes, citing injuries to key players as contributors to their disappointing defeat against Forest. He suggested that the team’s performances could see an upturn once the squad regains its full strength.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe to decide on Erik ten Hag’s future following Forest defeat

The Red Devils’ new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is anticipated to make a significant choice regarding the future of United’s manager, Erik ten Hag. With the team experiencing its poorest start to a season in many years and following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, the Dutchman faces mounting pressure as they enter 2024.

New minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to make a decision regarding Ten Hag's future
The new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to decide Ten Hag’s future. (Image via The Sun and Goal.com)

Ratcliffe, following his £1.25 billion acquisition of a 25% stake in the club, has essentially taken charge of the sporting operations at Old Trafford. This signifies that the CEO of INEOS Group will ultimately decide whether Ten Hag will continue as manager into the upcoming year.

Earlier reports have suggested that the new ownership might consider alternative candidates like Graham Potter, Julen Lopetegui, and Zinedine Zidane. However, Ten Hag has expressed his readiness to establish a positive working relationship with them.

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