London: Manchester United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, has expressed unwavering support for manager Erik ten Hag, despite the team’s challenging start to the Premier League season.
Last season, United finished in eighth place, marking their poorest performance since 1990; however, Ten Hag successfully guided the team to an unexpected FA Cup victory against Manchester City.
In July, he received a one-year contract extension, albeit after the club’s management explored other options. Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, which was United’s second loss in three matches this season and left them in 14th place, Ten Hag faces renewed scrutiny.
Prior to the match against Liverpool, Berrada, alongside new Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, affirmed that the club’s confidence in Ten Hag remains intact, stating, “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely.
We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.” Although Ten Hag’s contract extension occurred before Berrada and Ashworth assumed their roles, both expressed satisfaction with the decision.
"We have to be humble."
Erik speaks after our defeat to Liverpool.#MUFC || #MUNLIV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2024
Ashworth remarked, “I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks. My goal is to alleviate as much pressure from him as possible, allowing him to concentrate fully on training and the tactical plans necessary for Manchester United’s success.”
Ashworth’s initial weeks in the role were primarily focused on the transfer window, during which United acquired Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui.
Equally significant were the exits of players such as Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho, following a disagreement with Ten Hag. Early in the previous season, Sancho returned to his former club, Borussia Dortmund, on loan in January.
Although it seemed that the two had reconciled, as Sancho participated in United’s pre-season and played in the Community Shield, he ultimately joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to purchase on deadline day. When inquired about the reasons for this change, Ashworth indicated that it stemmed from the player’s desire to seek new opportunities.
“We believed we had sufficient depth in that specific position to manage, with four strong wide players already in the squad—Jadon being the fifth. This allowed us to make a decision that was beneficial for both him and us,” he stated.
“He was eager to pursue the chance at Chelsea, just as Scott wished to explore the opportunity at Napoli, and Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) was interested in West Ham. We are not in a position where we are forcing players out of the club.”
