Manchester United: Erik ten Hag has club support despite loss to Liverpool

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag can count on the support of leading players at Old Trafford to deliver the continued success he desires for the club.

After finishing eighth last season – United’s worst finish since 1990 – thanks to their FA Cup final win over Manchester City, the Dutchman is under renewed pressure following Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool.

The result dropped United to 14th in the Premier League, with three points from their opening three games.

If they lose at Southampton after the international break on September 14, it will be their worst start since 1986-87, when they took one point from their first four games. Within two months, Ron Atkinson was sacked and replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.

For the time being, Ten Hag can count on the support of the new football structure set up by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Liverpool match, chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth confirmed that while neither was involved in the post-season review that determined Ten Hag would keep his job, the Dutchman would still have their support even in the event of a heavy defeat to Liverpool – which came to pass.

“It was a decision we had already made before our arrival, but we are very happy with it,” said Berrada.

“Erik has our full support. We believe he is the right coach for us.

“We have worked very closely with him during this transfer window and will continue to do so in the future to ensure the team performs at its best.”

Although Brighton sacked Chris Hughton as manager three months after Ashworth took over as the Seagulls’ technical director in 2019, Eddie Howe remained Newcastle manager for the 53-year-old’s 19 months at St James’ Park. Ashworth said it was not unusual for a technical director to join forces with a manager already in place.

“It’s rare that you have a job as a technical director and there is no manager,” he added.

“I can only reiterate that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Erik over the past eight weeks.

“My job is to support him in every way possible, whether it be operationally, with recruitment, medical, psychology and training ground management, so that he can fully concentrate on the training ground and the tactical planning of the match, in order to achieve success for Manchester United.”