Erik ten Hag says any talk of him losing his job at Manchester United is coming from outside the club, hitting out at ‘fairytales and lies’ in the media.
The Red Devils went into the international break 14th in the Premier League and there was speculation that Ten Hag would not still be in charge for Saturday’s clash with Brentford at Old Trafford.
However, the United hierarchy have stuck by their man for now and the Dutchman will look to get his side back into the win column against the Bees.
After just eight points from seven Premier League games and without a win in five matches across all competitions, it is not surprising that Ten Hag’s future was in question, but he insists it was all just media speculation and he is comfortable in his role.
‘The noise is only coming from the media, you guys, from some of you, not all of you,’ Ten Hag told a press conference on Friday afternoon.
‘Bringing up stories, creating stories, creating fairytales. Making the noise, bringing lies, beause I know we are on one page in this club. I told this before the break, told several journalists, probably they didn’t believe me because I see the reports, but internally in the club it’s quiet.
‘Of course we are discussing the position where we are and we are unhappy with the position where we are and how we have to turn the corner and what has to happen, what should be the strategy to turn this corner.
‘But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and are convinced we will make it a success.’
Ten Hag insists that there are positive signs, despite the limp performances so far this season that have seen his side score just five goals in seven league games.
He does not deny that improvements need to be made, but says he is not entirely unhappy with his team’s displays.
‘We have to climb a mountain, but that’s top football, sometimes you have to face challenges, but I’m sure we will make a success, just like we did in the last two seasons,’ he said.
‘I see the good things, good patterns and the good stats that confirms we’re in a good direction, but the ranking doesn’t lie and where we are isnt’ good enough.
‘I think the players do well, we won [the FA Cup] last season. When we face problems, sometimes we have to line up teams who are not in the right balance because players aren’t avialable, but I think in general, the players do perform well.
‘We have to start scoring now, which is the most important part of football. We have to improve that part.’
Ten Hag continues to deal with a string of injury headaches and confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo (hamstring) and Harry Maguire (calf) face two weeks out of action, although Noussair Mazraoui should play on Saturday.
‘Injuries do not help, for sure, you need players availavle to peform,’ he said. ‘Kobbie and Harry are out for a couple of weeks, but Mazraoui is good news. He has returned on the training pitch and is available tomorrow.’
Injured left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined, though: ‘We can’t force their return and have to do it clever. We don’t want them to return and quickly drop out, but of course, we hope they come back as soon as possible because this team needs to a left-full back.’
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