"He keeps mentioning he’s won two trophies" - Ange Postecoglou assesses Ten Hag's Manchester United reign ahead of Spurs' visit to Old Trafford
Ange Postecoglou has praised Erik ten Hag ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Manchester United this Sunday (September 29). Both teams have made unconvincing starts to the Premier League campaign, sitting 10th and 11th respectively.
Ten Hag has come under pressure amid an inconsistent run of results. His side beat Southampton (3-0) in the league and Barnsley (7-0) in the Carabao Cup. However, they slipped up in draws against Crystal Palace (0-0) and FC Twente (1-1) in the Europa League.
Postecoglou talked up Ten Hag's tenure in charge of Manchester United and alluded to his trophy wins. The Spurs coach told reporters (via football.london):
"I think Erik in a real tough job has done really well. He keeps mentioning he's won two trophies and he has mate. I don't think that's insignificant. People keep telling me that’s what I have to do, but it's obviously not all you have to do, because even when you do that, there's more."
Ten Hag's future was the subject of speculation in the summer with many anticipating he'd depart United. His side finished eighth in the league, but an FA Cup final triumph saw INEOS back him with a one-year contract extension.
Postecoglou earned plaudits during his debut season in charge of Spurs, but has come in for criticism amid his troops' slow start to the 2024-25 campaign. He pointed out that he wins trophies in his second season which is a comment that has led to much debate.
"I am impatient" - Erik ten Hag on Manchester United's inconsistent form
Ten Hag is well aware of Manchester United's inconsistency so far this season but emphasises the importance of two trophies won in two years. The Dutch coach said ahead of the Red Devils' encounter with Tottenham (via Manchester Evening News):
"Of course, it's not good behaviour from me, I am impatient, I want to go straight forward. But also be fair, we had success in the last two seasons and we have to work very hard for more success."
Ten Hag's first season in charge of the Reds was his best as he guided them to a third-placed finish in the Premier League. He also ended the club's six-year trophy drought with Carabao Cup glory.
Manchester United capitulated last season amid an injury crisis and their poor form resulted in the worst league campaign in history. They finished eighth only qualifying for the Europa League after beating Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.