"The noise is only coming from the media" - Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag hits back at sack speculation
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has spoken up on the speculation circulating in the media regarding his sacking. The Red Devils will take on Brentford tomorrow (October 19) in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
A poor string of results in the opening set of matches in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League have put the 54-year-old on trial. Although no official communication has been present from the club or the board, media reports regularly suggest that there could be a change at the helm of Manchester United.
A day prior to the Brentford game, Ten Hag told the media:
"The noise is only coming from the media, from some of you, not all of you, creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies because I know we're on one page within this club. I said before the break but several journalists probably didn't believe me. Within the club, it's quiet."
Erik ten Hag has been persistent in assuring that his job is not in danger. Recently, the board also helped in building a wall around the Carrington training ground upon the Dutchman's request. Such a move might be an indication that he is set to continue, at least until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are in a serious situation. Their ongoing start to the Premier League is their worst since the league was rebranded in the 1992-93 season. Moreover, the outfit has won only two home games so far. The first came in their opening game against Fulham in the Premier League, and their other in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley FC.
Which managers have been linked with Manchester United?
In the past few days, many managers have been linked with Manchester United. Following the Red Devils' poor performances under Erik ten Hag, reports in the media have linked coaches like Zinedine Zidane, Edin Terzic, Thomas Tuchel and others for the job at Old Trafford.
While Zidane apparently has problems with communication since he can't speak English well, media reports have suggested that he is interested in taking charge. Tuchel was regarded by many reports as the successor to Erik ten Hag. However, with the German manager joining the England national team, he is now out of contention.
Former Borussia Dortmund manager Terzic is also rumored to be admired by people at Old Trafford. But no further reports have emerged talking up his chances of mentoring the Manchester United players.
This is Erik ten Hag's third season at Old Trafford. His contract runs until the summer of 2026. In these two seasons, he has guided Manchester United to a FA Cup and a Carabao Cup. However, the club's journey in the Premier League hasn't been up to the mark.
In his first season as the manager, Ten Hag's side finished third, but had 14 points less than champions Manchester City and nine points less than second-placed Arsenal. The 2023-24 season saw United go down in the table, and at the end of the campaign, they were placed eighth. They also had a 31-point difference with champions Manchester City.