Erik ten Hag hits back at critics lacking knowledge and believes fans back him

Erik ten Hag believes he has supporters’ backing and does not regret taking the Manchester United job.

It has been an underwhelming season for United on the pitch and Ten Hag is the one taking most of the criticism for that.

With the team sitting eighth in the Premier League, United host Arsenal on Sunday having won once in their past seven league matches.

Monday’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace was a low blow and we now run the risk of missing out of European football completely next season.

Regardless of where United finish in the league they will have the opportunity to reach the Europa League by beating Man City in the FA Cup final. That will be a tricky task which will only put Ten Hag’s position under the microscope.

It is worth remembering that Arsenal finished eighth in Mikel Arteta’s first two seasons in charge but the club stuck with him and he has led the team to consecutive title races.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag made it clear that he still feels the support from fans, even when the results aren’t good enough.

“I think the fans have the patience, you’ve seen it on Monday,” Ten Hag said, as per The Guardian. “I see some comments they don’t. Either they don’t have any knowledge of football or they don’t have any knowledge about managing a football team or they just aren’t up to it. I think there are many people who see the problems and they are patient.”

United’s worst Premier League position is seventh and it looks like we could go a step above that by finishing eighth, ninth or tenth.

“This is a massive club and you only realise that when you first come, the things you have to face,” Ten Hag continued. “But I wanted to take on this challenge and have not had one second when I regret that decision. I am really happy to be here.”

He added: “I did my job and in the first year I would say it was a good formation. We played to our levels, maybe we overperformed. In this one we haven’t and I know why, but we are still in an FA Cup final and that is a great achievement.”