Julien Laurens has noted that Erik ten Hag’s reaction to the criticism of his Manchester United team suggests he is feeling the pressure.
Despite this, Manchester United’s chief executive Omar Berrada confirmed that Ten Hag has the full support of the club’s new leadership team. This backing comes after the club initiated a one-year extension to Ten Hag’s contract during the summer, despite discussions about potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, initiated by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford.
Both Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, who started in their new roles following the decision to extend Ten Hag’s contract, emphasized their confidence in the manager. Berrada stated, “We’re very happy with that decision. Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window. We’re going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results out of the team. Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”
Despite facing criticism for his management style last season, Ten Hag has been pivotal in the club’s summer recruitment efforts, overseeing nearly £200 million spent on five new players, including Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte. Following the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, Ten Hag urged patience as he begins his third season at Old Trafford.
Ashworth acknowledged that while it would take time to see results, he is satisfied with the squad assembled under his guidance. “I like the squad, I have to say,” Ashworth remarked. He has noted that in his extensive experience, perfect transfer windows are rare, but he is pleased with the depth and options available to Ten Hag.
The summer has also seen changes in United’s structure, with the hiring of Jason Wilcox as technical director and Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as assistant managers, contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty around Ten Hag’s role. Nonetheless, Ashworth expressed a strong working relationship with the manager. “I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks,” he said. “I see my job is to support him in every way I possibly can, to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United.”