Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused the media of making up "fairytales and lies" about his future.
Ten Hag went into the international break under huge pressure after a run of five games without a win, which included the embarrassing 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham.
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports after that Spurs loss that he felt Ten Hag was "out of his depth".
With United 14th in the Premier League, many felt the 54-year-old would be dismissed during the international break, particularly as members of the Glazer family attended a pre-planned United board meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other members of the club's hierarchy in London last week.
However, Ten Hag remains in post and says journalists have deliberately ignored his post-match comments after the goalless draw at Aston Villa on 6 October, when he said "we are on one page" about the backing he was receiving at Old Trafford.
"The noise is only coming from some of you, creating stories and fairytales and bringing lies," he said.
"I know we are on one page at this club. I said this before the break. I told several journalists. Probably the journalists didn't believe me because I saw the reports. But internally, it is quiet."
It is five years since United went six games without a win in all competitions.
To avoid that, they need to beat a Brentford side managed by Thomas Frank, who was one of the men spoken to about the manager's job last spring when Ratcliffe was still deciding whether to keep Ten Hag.
Brentford have not won at Old Trafford since 1937 - a run of six league and cup visits - although last season they led going into stoppage time, when Scott McTominay scored twice to turn the match on its head.
"Of course, we are unhappy with the position where we are," said Ten Hag. "The ranking is not lying and it is not good enough.
"But we are quiet and composed. We stick to the plan and are convinced it will be a success."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp3wgq0n1q9o
ETH: Fairy Tales & Lies
posted on 18/10/24
Well said Ten Hag.
posted on 18/10/24
Well done boss.
Get behind the manager and team, whoever they are
posted on 18/10/24
Unsurprisingly he used the words " the plan"
posted on 18/10/24
As much as I want him to turn things around, because I support Man United and have done for decades, I can assure him that its not only the media are telling fairytales about his suitability to his job.
But as mentioned already what can he say? Yes, they are right, Im not up to it?
posted on 18/10/24
The paranoia creeping in. The end looming large
posted on 18/10/24
I expect ETH to defend himself to the hilt, just as any manager would. But the calls for him to go are based on good reasoning.
I'm not sure why we are prolonging the agony, it isn't helping anyone
posted on 18/10/24
I’m generally curious in situations like this as to whether the individual genuinely believes what they’re saying or whether they’re just desperately clinging onto lip service while they hope the situation improves.
You’d like to think someone of ETH’s experience knows that United have been utter sheite, but based on some of his interviews, I’m not so sure.
posted on 18/10/24
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 1 minute ago
I’m generally curious in situations like this as to whether the individual genuinely believes what they’re saying or whether they’re just desperately clinging onto lip service while they hope the situation improves.
You’d like to think someone of ETH’s experience knows that United have been utter sheite, but based on some of his interviews, I’m not so sure.
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or he has been told by his superiors that he has their total backing
posted on 18/10/24
comment by JonVeron (U6514)
posted 2 hours, 46 minutes ago
Well done boss.
Get behind the manager and team, whoever they are
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No, you get behind the team no matter what. For some of us this aint our first rodeo.
posted on 19/10/24
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 16 hours, 25 minutes ago
comment by Ali - 🇪🇦 🏴 (U1192)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 33 seconds ago
Fair enough, what else can he say.
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"I resign"
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Why would he say that if he believes things will get
better.
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Ah the poster who predicted a utd thrashing over Spurs Such an accurate prediction 🤣🤣