In just a week, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shifted his focus regarding the team’s pressing concerns. As he prepares for a critical match against Aston Villa, he has requested more time to rectify the issues at United. However, he acknowledges that he is also under significant pressure to achieve immediate results.
The scrutiny surrounding Ten Hag intensified after United squandered a two-goal advantage, ending in a 3-3 draw with FC Porto in the Europa League. This marked the team’s fourth consecutive match without a victory, as they now face an on-form Villa, who recently triumphed in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Entering his third season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has appealed for patience from the club’s leadership, though he recognizes that the nature of professional football often leaves little time for managers. “I’m not focused on [the pressure] because that is not a topic,” Ten Hag stated. “We are all in this together—ownership, leadership, the team, and the staff. I have appointed new staff and brought in young players that need to be integrated. I understand that in top football, you don’t get time, and they need to perform immediately, but that’s not always realistic.”
In his recent match against Porto, Ten Hag opted to exclude summer signing Manuel Ugarte, reverting to a midfield trio of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes— a setup he used in his debut season. Ugarte, who joined for £50 million from Paris Saint-Germain, has struggled to adapt and is being used as an example of the need for patience as the team works to find its rhythm.
“The No. 6 position was definitely one we intended to strengthen this season, but he needs time to settle in,” Ten Hag explained. “He must adapt to our game model, his teammates, and the Premier League’s intensity, which all takes time.”
The manager expressed satisfaction with the return of Rasmus Højlund but noted that they were unable to field him earlier in the season. “We will see where we end at the conclusion of the season,” he added.
Ahead of the match against Villa, Ten Hag confirmed that Bruno Fernandes would be available following the overturning of his red card from the match against Tottenham. The team will make a late decision regarding Kobbie Mainoo, who missed the match with Porto due to injury. Mainoo trained prior to the game, but was excluded from the squad as a precaution. “We have to wait and see if he can participate on Sunday and whether he is fit enough to start or be on the bench,” Ten Hag concluded.