Erik ten Hag refuted claims that Manchester United are in crisis following his team’s limp performance against Brighton.
United have suffered a disappointing start to the season, which persisted with another big loss against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Brighton secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 16.
This defeat marks the third loss for the hosts in just five league games, making it their worst start to a campaign in 34 years.
Manchester United fans couldn’t take the shame anymore as they expressed their disappointment by booing the players at the end of the match following their lackluster performance.
However, Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has responded to shouts that the club is currently facing crisis.
In the post-match interview following Brighton’s defeat, Ten Hag said: “No, but we must acknowledge our disappointment and frustration with ourselves because, at United, the expectation is to win games.”
Ten Hag expressed sympathy for Manchester United, acknowledging their misfortune after VAR ruled out a first-half equalizer by Rasmus Hojlund due to the ball going out of play during the build-up.
However, he also admitted to being worried about his team’s recent performance and results.
He added: “We must stick together and stick to the plan and the rules and we will turn this around.”
“It bothers me [the form], but I have to see the way we play. It’s about character, we have to see how strong we are and how the team sticks together.”
“Players standing up and showing character because in all the games, especially the game today [Saturday] and against Arsenal and Forest, we have seen we can play well and create chances.
“But we also have some improvements to make and we have to step up.”
Manchester United fans fire back at Ten Hag
Despite boss Ten Hag’s insistence that the club is not facing an early crisis, matchgoers have expressed their concern regarding the team’s slow start to the campaign.
Manchester United supporters, filled with disappointment, have recounted their dissatisfaction regarding the club’s poor performance this season and the recent defeat by Brighton has only added to their frustration.
There is a clear disagreement regarding Ten Hag’s claim, with some fans strongly asserting that there should be no excuses for Manchester United’s struggles.
One of the fans tweeted: This man has too many excuses to lead this team to glory.”
Another wrote: “Look at this fraud. The next time I hear him say “We have standards” he will explain to me what standards he’s talking about.”
“A man with so much Ego and little result”
One of the supporters wrote, backing Ten Hag while blaming the players for the team’s downfall.
He said:”No one should be seen threatening this Goodman with a sack. Blame the players, not the coach. We love you Ten”
However, one of United’s supporters believes the club can still make the top four despite their horrible start.
He wrote: “First time in history Manutd has lost 3 of their first 5 games in EPL, the first time that we have conceded 2+ goals 4 games in a roll… it’s not looking good at all but I believe we will bounce back and make the top 4. Sadly we are out of the title race.”
What’s next for United?
The Red Devils will kickstart their Champions League campaign in a fierce clash against Group A rival Bayern Munich on Wednesday, September 20.
