2
The defeat to Fulham at Previous Trafford on the weekend set the alarm bells ringing and with an important FA Cup conflict in opposition to Nottingham Forest coming, the strain is ramping up.
Erik ten Hag spoke to the media in an embargoed part forward of the sport and got here out combating.
He dismissed ideas that he’s “on trial” with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, stressing that either side are in fixed communication.
He stated: “I do know what I’m doing. I’ve had many talks [with Sir Jim Ratcliffe], and persistently we’re having talks in regards to the future, in regards to the future collectively.
“I do know what we’re speaking about. I’ve a robust perception and I really feel that they consider me.”
The loss to Fulham was United’s first after 4 consecutive wins, and Ten Hag insinuated an agenda in opposition to him within the press which “I can’t take critically”.
Ten Hag stated: “Should you speak about one defeat and the supervisor’s place is in dialogue, I feel it’s fairly opportune after two months and not using a defeat. I can’t decide one thing from this, I can’t take it critically. I’ve to remain centered once more on the staff and on the staff’s efficiency.”
Ten Had burdened that he’s below contract for 3 years and doesn’t take note of rumours, solely specializing in the staff efficiency and processes.
A participant who hasn’t been in a position to grow to be an enormous a part of the staff’s efficiency is Antony.
Bouth for £85 million final yr, the Brazilian has struggled to impress and has misplaced his place within the first staff. Components off the pitch have beforehand been talked about by Ten Hag as a cause behind his dip in kind.
Now, the supervisor claims Antony has put these days behind him.
He stated: “Not anymore, but it surely did (off-field case affecting his efficiency). Now he’s put that behind him, however for a interval of the season it had an affect on him, It confirmed in his performances.”
Ten Hag alluded to Antony’s encouraging efficiency in pre-season which instantly took a dive when the affair got here out, regardless that “he’s one of many very courageous ones”.
He stated: “In pre-season, I feel he [Antony] performed very effectively. However when the affair got here out, he was not the identical particular person. It affected his confidence regardless that he’s somebody “one of many very courageous ones. He should discover that once more. We help him.”
Lastly, the supervisor took accountability for his staff’s inconsistency and stated that it’s as much as him to seek out options and get the staff to carry out the perfect they will.
Followers would hope to see these phrases translated into motion in opposition to Nottingham Forest in any other case one other likelihood at a trophy will go up in flames.
