Erik ten Hag has outlined Manchester United’s trophy ambitions and insists his side still have a ‘long way to go’ following a poor start to the campaign. The Dutchman, who has been under pressure this term after a slow start, has led the Red Devils to glory in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup since he arrived in 2022. He’s far from being finished there, if he is given enough time at Old Trafford, and is focusing on getting the team ready for the business end of the 2024-25 season.
Speaking at the Football Writers’ Association Northern Managers’ Awards, Ten Hag said: ‘We have not had a good start. We know that, we are not happy. ‘We were happy yesterday (beating Brentford), but it is just one win. If you want to win trophies, you have to do it continually throughout the season. ‘But I know also, you do not win trophies in autumn, winter or in spring. You win them when it gets to April and May. ‘Our job is to get the team winning all season, but especially at the end of the season. ‘You have to make sure you develop the team so they are ready to win trophies. We are on a journey. It is a long way to go. ‘But I feel we are going in the right direction. To the writers, I say be patient, let’s wait how the season will go and how we progress.’
It had been previously reported by some outlets that Ten Hag had two games to save his job as United boss ahead of games against Aston Villa and Brentford. United drew 0-0 at Villa and then defeated Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford this weekend, which has eased some of the pressure on Ten Hag. The Red Devils return to action on Thursday with a Europa League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe. ‘It’s a big game for both of us,’ Ten Hag said about the upcoming showdown. ‘He is a winner, he’s won so many trophies, I think he’s an example for many, many managers so I really enjoy to play against them.’
