"It's on our minds too" - Manchester United star claims Ten Hag sack talks are affecting players after 0-0 Villa draw
Jonny Evans has remarked that the sack rumors about Erik ten Hag affect Manchester United players. He said while the talks get into their heads, he always tries his best on the pitch.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Evans said Manchester United players showed spirit in their Premier League draw (0-0) against Aston Villa on Sunday (October 6). He was happy with the overall performance but said the sack pressure on Ten Hag is affecting the players.
"That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team. Everyone competed as much as they could. That's a pleasing thing to see. You never have everyone available throughout the season. It's important everyone coming in is ready to go when they're ready," Evans said.
On ten Hag, he said:
"It does affect the players. It's on our minds too. I think the more experience I've got in my career I've made sure I do everything you I to be ready and give everything I can to the team."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Erik ten Hag sack talks at Manchester United
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was asked by BBC if Erik ten Hag is set to be sacked at Manchester United. The co-owner claimed that he was not the one making the decision and that it was down to the management.
He said:
"I don’t want to answer that question. I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day, it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects. But that team that’s running United has only been together since June or July. They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – Omar [Berrada] and Dan Ashworth, they only arrived in July."
"They’ve only been there, you can count it in weeks almost. They’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions. Our objective is very clear. We want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously. That’s very clear,” he added.
Manchester United are currently linked with Thomas Tuchel. Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate have also been named as possible ten Hag replacements.