Erik ten Hag is no stranger to criticism. Manchester United have failed to live up to expectations after the Dutchman took over in April of 2022. The former Ajax manager earned a third place finish in his debut season, earning the Red Devils a champions league spot this campaign. Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has become the latest to censure the manager following the teams’ unconvincing displays as of late.
Fast forward to 2024 and Manchester United are out of the Champions League, eliminated from the Carabao Cup in the Round of 16 and 12 points from a top four spot. While rumors surrounding Ten Hag’s future at the club never seem to go away, the Dutchman has reiterated the management’s confidence in himself and that the club are ‘close’ to falling in place.
In a brutally honest judgement, the World Cup winner claimed that United have fared much better under Ten Hag’s predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
I don't know what his gameplan is. I don't know if he has structure and I don't know that his message is. Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast
Adding insult to injury, the Spaniard claimed that at least Solskjaer’s United had a ‘plan’, which was defending well and getting the most of out of breaks. His comments come at a time when United have lost to Fulham and are up against Manchester City on Sunday.
A change of fortune or time to go? Erik ten Hag shares his take ahead of the Manchester derby
Manchester United are a far cry from their biggest rival and counterpart Manchester City. With 44 points in 26 games, the Red Devils are 6th in the league table. A surprising loss against Fulham was followed up by a narrow win against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. As of City, the stakes are quite different from that of Ten Hag’s Reds. The Cityzens are tasked with defending their Premier League title, and with Liverpool sitting on a one-point lead, a win against United is crucial.
Speaking ahead of the heated clash, Ten Hag reflected both on his men and Pep Guardiola‘s treble-winning team.
They (City) are a good team. It will be a challenge. Liverpool are also a good team. We like challenges. We need a great day to win and the players need to give it their best. Ten Hag said during the press conference
He was also quick to shut down any questions which pointed to the game being a season definer for his side. Ten Hag added that the FA Cup is also something his side are looking forward to and that there are many more games to catch up and ‘reach’ the ideal position to finish the season. However, with Fabregas’ recent criticism and pressure mounting on the manager, Sunday’s clash will be no regular derby. Ten Hag’s men will be out to prove a point, and with City trying to defend their title, fans can expect fireworks at the Etihad.
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