Erik ten Hag sends clear message to Man Utd chiefs ahead of potential sack talks

Amid growing pressure, Erik ten Hag has reassured Manchester United’s top management that they share a unified vision for the club’s future, despite rumors about his possible dismissal. Prior to the match against Aston Villa, speculation arose that Ten Hag could face the sack if United delivered another poor result.

After a goalless draw against Unai Emery’s side, Ten Hag confirmed his frequent communication with the club’s hierarchy and their aligned goals. “We talk every week. We’re all on the same page, knowing that this is a long-term project,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.

Even with United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, the manager remained upbeat, pointing out their defensive solidity and team cohesion. “This was our fourth clean sheet this season. Our organization, character, and resilience were all strong today,” he said.

Reflecting on the performance, Ten Hag critically analyzed the match, acknowledging the opposition’s limited opportunities: “We barely conceded any chances, and with some luck, their only real chance came towards the end.”

Discussing the balance of the game, Ten Hag added: “Both teams were evenly matched. We hit the crossbar and Rashford had opportunities, but it was a close contest.”

Looking back at earlier performances, he remarked on the team’s strong moments: “In the Porto game, our build-up was excellent, and we outplayed them early on. We’ve had games this season where we were really good in possession, like against Palace. Today, the chances were fewer, but we faced a top team.”

Ten Hag concluded by stressing the need for continued progress, particularly in attack, while praising individual players: “We’ve created a lot of chances across our games, but we need to step up. Hojlund is still building fitness, but others are stepping up too. Rashford was impressive, Garnacho was excellent, and Antony finished strong.”