Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Man Utd future as he’s given two games to save his job after disastrous Tottenham defeat
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag insists “there is nothing to panic about” despite the club’s poor start to the season.
The Red Devils dropped to 12th in the Premier League table on Sunday following a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Club legend Gary Neville branded the performance “disgusting” while Ashley Young criticised players for not putting in any effort.
Many fans are now calling for Ten Hag to be sacked by United chiefs.
SunSport understands the Dutchman has two games to save his job – against Porto and Aston Villa.
But Ten Hag insists he is not worried about facing the axe.
“I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious,” he revealed while speaking to Sky Sports.
“We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.
“We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.
“They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”
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Ten Hag even suggested “there is nothing to panic about” at Old Trafford.
“We are going to make a success from the season,” he continued.
“Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”
Securing Champions League football will be imperative for Man Utd’s financial status next season.
If they fail to finish this Premier League campaign in the top four, United will trigger a £10million penalty clause with partner Adidas.
When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.