Ten Hag says he is not concerned about job despite pressure

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, stated he is not worried about losing his position in spite of growing pressure following a few crushing losses in the midst of one of the team’s worst seasons ever.

On Sunday, when United, now sixth in the rankings, visits Anfield to play Premier League leaders Liverpool without injured defender Harry Maguire, there may be even more suffering.

Ten Hag said, “No worries at all. “Because even though you play well, it’s not good enough; I’m here to win, and I have to improve the team’s performance.”

“And so, I have to work on that because we are inconsistent right now. The team will perform at a high level for extended periods of time.

“We intend to field a team capable of competing. “I am sure I can field a winning team there,” he continued.

In addition to losing 3-0 at home to Bournemouth the previous weekend, United was eliminated from Europe on Tuesday after losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Maguire, the league’s November player of the month, had to exit the game due to a groin injury.

Ten Hag stated that Luke Shaw trained on Friday but that Maguire will not be ready for the Liverpool match.

Ten Hag remarked, “But I don’t think (Maguire’s injury is) long-term.”

Ten Hag maintained that “long-term the future for Man United is very good” despite their dismal start to the season.

“If you see how many good players we have in the squad, how many good young players we have in the squad who have the potential to play worldwide, when the injuries get back the team will play better,” continued the Dutchman.

Ten Hag said his players will fight harder this time around despite United’s 7-0 thumping last season at Anfield.

“We take that in our memory, but also have to learn from it and on Sunday we can prove (we have done) that,” he continued. “It seems like everyone that visits Anfield is really driven. It’s a really nice location. Though I believe every elite football player wants to, we know it will be difficult to prosper in such situation.”

Their lack of opportunity was a major source of sadness following their loss to Bayern on Tuesday. United managed just one attempt on goal, and Rasmus Hojlund, who scored five goals in their Champions League campaign but has none this league season, had almost no opportunities to score.

Ten Hag praised the 20-year-old Dane, saying, “He has scored in the highest level – in the Champions League he has five goals, which is a massive performance from a young player.”

Not many young players possess such ability. We know he has talent, and I have no doubt he will reach it. There will be Premier League goals from him. In the training, I can observe how he is doing it.”