Ten Hag Calls for Patience Amidst Pressure

Posted : 04 October 2024

Erik ten Hag has requested to be evaluated at the end of the season as Manchester United's manager after a late equalizer from Harry Maguire secured a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. The pressure was mounting on Ten Hag following a disappointing start to the Premier League season, where United managed just two wins from their first six matches, leaving them in 13th place in the table. Additionally, the team has struggled in the Europa League, drawing their first two games and currently sitting 21st out of 36 teams.

Ten Hag expressed his belief in the team's potential, stating, “We will get there, don't judge us in this moment. Judge us at the end of the season.” He highlighted the club's previous successes, having reached finals in both of the last two seasons and urged fans to be patient as the team develops. Despite facing criticism, Ten Hag defended his record, pointing to the League Cup and FA Cup victories that ended United's six-year trophy drought. A surprising win over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final was pivotal in preserving his position after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the league.

The match in Porto started brightly for United, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund giving them a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. However, the team has struggled on European away trips, failing to secure a win in their last four matches despite scoring three goals in each game. Last season, they experienced a frustrating exit from the Champions League, marked by losses to Bayern Munich and FC Copenhagen, alongside a draw with Galatasaray.

The thrilling encounter at Estadio do Dragao saw Porto fight back, with goals from Pepe and Samu Omorodion leveling the score before halftime. Omorodion then put Porto ahead early in the second half, further complicating United's situation when Bruno Fernandes was sent off, marking his second consecutive dismissal.

Ultimately, Maguire's late header from a corner salvaged a point for United, though he acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that the team allowed too many gaps and crosses that led to their punishment. Maguire emphasized that the pressure on Ten Hag comes with the territory of managing a club of United's stature, adding that both players and management experience scrutiny during challenging periods.

Ten Hag Calls for Patience Amidst Pressure

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