Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed that he has no regrets about taking the job, despite the club’s current challenges.
With a year remaining on his contract, Ten Hag is facing significant pressure following a series of poor results, including a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
United’s position in the Premier League has slipped to eighth, outside of the European places, leading to speculation that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may consider a managerial change.
“I don’t regret being here for one second,” said Ten Hag.
“This is a massive club. You don’t know the challenges you have to face until you are in it. But I wanted this challenge.”
In his first season, Ten Hag led Manchester United to victory in the EFL Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought. He also guided the team to the FA Cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League.
The former Ajax manager considers these achievements as “over-achievement,” especially given the challenges faced this season. A series of injuries, particularly in defense, has forced Ten Hag to frequently alter his central defensive pairings and has left him without a regular left-back for most of the campaign.
Critics argue that injuries are not a sufficient excuse for United’s recent poor performances. The team has only managed one win, excluding extra-time and penalties, in their last nine games.
Following the defeat to Crystal Palace, reports emerged suggesting that United’s players no longer supported Ten Hag. However, the manager has dismissed these claims.
“There is great team spirit,” he said. “In almost every game they fought.
“Not on Monday [at Palace], that is why I was so disappointed. But in all the other games they have fought. I can’t have any doubts about this.”