Erik Ten Hag Will Not Be Fired Even Though Manchester United Has Started Bad Since 1986
JAKARTA - Manchester United's defeat in the Champions League seemed to signal that manager Erik ten Hag would be fired. However, the club retained Ten Hag after a 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray which made Manchester United record worst since 1986.
MU is predicted to be ready to compete with one city rival, Manchester City. Especially after Man City equaled MU's treble record last season.
Moreover, Ten Hag reshuffled the squad by bringing in goalkeeper Andre Onana, the young Rasmus Hojlund striker who is expected to be the successor to Wayne Rooney and several other players.
However, Ten Hag's troops failed to fulfill their expectations. They are nothing more than a mid-term team that easily loses despite playing at home. Lastly in a Champions League duel at Old Trafford, MU had to admit Galatasaray's advantage. This is the second defeat to a match in European competition.
Previously in the English Premier League competition, MU also surrendered 1-0 to Crystal Palace. This is the fourth defeat of the seven matches of the Red Devils.
As a result, MU slumped in 10th place with nine points. This three-time Champions League champion is already nine points behind Man City who is at the top of the standings.
This is MU's worst start since 1986. For the first time in 37 years, MU has lost six times to the initial 10 matches.
That season, Sir Alex Ferguson made his debut as Manchester United manager replacing Ron Atkinson. A disappointing start for Ferguson as Manchester United finally finished in 11th place.
This successive failure made Ten Hag doubtful at Old Trafford. Rumors of his dismissal became increasingly widespread after the defeat to Galatasaray.
However, Ten Hag did not question if he was finally dismissed. He stated that he was responsible for the failure. Not only that, Ten Hag is optimistic that MU will rise.
"I'm in charge of this team. Fans are disappointed and I can understand it. In this match, I saw a team playing with high enthusiasm and supporters supporting us until the end," said Ten Hag.
"It's just that, they ended up disappointed. Likewise we. But the team will fight and be ready to play with high motivation. We will stay together and fight together," he said.
Furthermore, Ten Hag said that last season the team played extraordinary. However, at this time MU is entering a difficult period so Ten Hag must work hard to restore the confidence of the players.
"Last season, the team played brilliantly and remarkably. More than we expected. But right now, we are entering a difficult period. We have to work even better and stay united," said the former Ajax Amsterdam coach.
Meski MU mengalami kepurukan, namun posisi Ten Hag tetap aman. Menurut informasi, klub memberi dukungan penuh setelah melakukan pertemuan dengan Ten Hag.
This also dismissed rumors that he would be dismissed. Management remains confident in Ten Hag's abilities and vision. MU also still gives the manager a chance and hopes to achieve success.