Wessel Antes
Latest update:
Erik ten Hag once again did not hold back during a press moment for Manchester United. The 53-year-old manager from Haaksbergen, who has clashed with the British news more often lately, this time spoke out clearly about all transfer rumors surrounding the Red Devils. “It's a joke!”
In recent weeks there has been a rumor that Manchester United is on the eve of a major clean-up, as the English superpower would have to sell players to comply with all the financial regulations of the Premier League.
Ten Hag has also read the articles, as it becomes apparent when he is asked a question. “It's a joke!”, the Dutchman snapped during the press conference on Thursday. “Every transfer period, two hundred players are linked to us, which is not true.”
“Just like every window it is said that we have to sell everyone, which is also not true,” Ten Hag continues. “You keep making headlines about it. Find a good source first, I would say.”
Ten Hag emphasizes that Manchester United must do good business next summer. “It will be my fifth transfer period here. Two previous ones were fine and we missed something with the other two. We have to improve the selection again, but the basis is very good. We know that we are not yet reaching the level expected at this club, so we still have work to do.”
Grim atmosphere
It is the second time in a short time that Ten Hag has vented his frustrations on the English press. After the cup spectacle at Wembley against Coventry City (3-3, victory on penalties), the manager was asked whether it was 'embarrassing' that Manchester United had given away a 0-3 lead. Ten Hag was not pleased with that.
“Was it embarrassing? No, your reaction was embarrassing,” Ten Hag snapped. “Top football is all about results. We reached the final and we deserved it. Not only based on this match, but also based on the other matches.”
Another season
Ten Hag has been under pressure at Old Trafford for months. Manchester United has been eliminated from the Champions League, is sixth in England and must hope that it will still qualify for the Europa League. The sounds over a congé sound increasingly louder, but generally reliable The Athletic announced on Thursday morning that Ten Hag does not have to fear for his place for the time being.
New co-owner INEOS, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, acknowledges that the previous board made a mess of things. INEOS believes that Ten Hag did not arrive in ideal circumstances and so the company is working on a future with the Dutchman at the helm.
The 54-year-old coach still has a contract until mid-2025, and therefore seems to be serving it out now. Despite the miserable season, Manchester United still has a chance of winning a top prize. On May 25, the club will play city rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Ten Hag will not hope for a repeat of last year. He also faced Manchester City in the FA Cup final, and Manchester United lost 2-1.
Want to always stay informed of the most important football news? Join the Voetbalzone WhatsApp channel now!
More news
More sports news
