Various Defenses To Erik Ten Hag, Pressure Disrupts Players

JAKARTA - Erik ten Hag is in the spotlight. He was under pressure from various directions to immediately leave Manchester United.

Many thought that the Red Devils officials would fire the Dutch manager after an executive meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

In fact, the bosses of Manchester United are silent after a seven-hour meeting at the Ineos head office, London. That is, so far the fate of Ten Hag is still safe.

As is known, the pressure to expel Ten Hag cannot be separated from the bad results of Manchester United at the beginning of this season.

In the seven Premier League games that have been passed, the Red Devils have only packed eight points, the worst record in 35 years.

However, in addition to the demands for Ten Hat's dismissal, it turns out that there are still many who support the 54-year-old manager to stay at Old Trafford.

One player who still wants Ten Hag in the dressing room is senior defender Jonny Evans.

The 36-year-old defender said that strict supervision from management to Ten Hag was actually the culprit of the team's performance.

Psychological players in the dressing room are disturbed by the pressure.

"It affects the players. It's also in our minds. I think the more experience I have in my career, I make sure to do everything I can to be ready and give everything I can for the team."

"That's what's important to show the spirit of the team. Everyone competes as much as possible. That's a fun thing to see," said Evans.

In addition to pressure from club management, Ten Hag's future confusion also makes players uncomfortable.

In fact, according to Evans, there are still many supporters who support the Dutch coach.

Just look at the last two games that Manchester United has rumored will be a consideration for Ten Hag's future.

The Red Devils only won the draw against Porto (3-3) in the Europa League and 0-0 against Aston Villa. The result extended the record of never winning the team to five matches.

In fact, the fans actually seemed satisfied with the achievement.

"You see the fans at the end, the support they give the team. They have supported the players on a large scale over the years. It was great for him (Ten Hag) to see that."

"That night (after a 3-3 draw against Porto), he got a little emotional. You can see him, let the game pass."

"You can see everyone running onto the pitch to get a decent result," Evans told Sky Sports.

Sympathism And Capabilities

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag's seat is still safe. He is rumored to still lead the team against Brentford in the eighth week of the Premier League after the international break.

It's just that, it doesn't mean the manager can feel comfortable. All the next results are really closely monitored.

A number of names have also been prepared, ranging from Thomas Tuchel to Ruud van Nistelrooy.

This condition also gave birth to various reactions. Some agreed that Ten Hag would continue to be put under pressure, even being expelled as soon as possible.

However, there is also support that flows so that the coach remains. One of the sympathys came from England football's pundit and Liverpool's legend, Jamie Carragher.

Carragher saw that Manchester United officials were wrong because it made Ten Hag uncertain. Prior to the signing of a new contract in the summer, the Red Devils bosses spoke with the managerial candidate.

It was that situation that exacerbated and made the team's dressing room even hotter.

"I sympathize with him. I think he has been left adrift as a result of what happened during the summer with the club owner talking to other managers."

"I sympathize with him. No manager or anyone who works at a club wants his superiors to speak in public with many different people in the game. It will be difficult for him to end the season," said Carragher.

Apart from Carragher, former Manchester United player Andy Cole also defended the manager.

He agreed with Carragher that Ten Hag could not be blamed for the team's current condition.

The crisis at Manchester United should be seen more widely. Players also have a role in the poor performance of the club.

"Whatever the responsible people decide, it will be done taking into account the club's best interests."

"If you look at a bigger picture, you can't just blame the manager."

"Managers choose players, but it is the players who have to go out and win football matches. That's how it is," Cole said.

Andy Cole further emphasized that Ten Hag's achievements were not bad either. Winning two trophies in the last two seasons is not a fortune despite being in the same class as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

"However you look at it, for an individual to win two trophies in the first two seasons at Manchester United, it's not luck. You can't be lucky two seasons in a row," Cole told Betfred.

Apart from that, if Manchester United fire Ten Hag, they will be burdened with large compensation. The compensation rate is only smaller than Jose Mourinho.

If the Red Devils kicked Ten Hag out of the stock exchange last summer, the compensation would still be at 10 million pounds.

However, after signing the new deal, the compensation package will now be worth around 15 million.