Manchester United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, has confirmed that manager Erik ten Hag retains the club’s full support, even as the team struggles in the early stages of the Premier League season. Despite a disappointing start that has seen United lose two of their first three games, including a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, Berrada insists that Ten Hag is the right man for the job.
Last season, United finished eighth in the Premier League, marking their worst performance since 1990. However, Ten Hag managed to lead the team to an unexpected FA Cup final victory against Manchester City. In recognition of his efforts, the Dutchman was awarded a one-year contract extension in July, though it was reportedly only after the club considered other options.
The recent poor results have placed Ten Hag under renewed pressure, but Berrada, speaking before the Liverpool match, made it clear that the club’s faith in the manager remains steadfast. “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely,” Berrada stated. “We think Erik is the right coach for us, and we’re fully backing him.”
Newly appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth, who joined the club shortly before the current season, echoed Berrada’s sentiments. Ashworth emphasized his commitment to supporting Ten Hag in various aspects, including recruitment, operations, and training, to help the manager focus on delivering success for the club.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks,” Ashworth said. “My role is to support him in every way possible, whether it’s operationally, with recruitment, medical needs, psychology, or training ground flow. The goal is to take as much off his plate as possible so he can concentrate on the tactical plans needed to succeed on the pitch.”
Ashworth’s tenure has already seen significant activity in the transfer market, with United bringing in players like Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui. However, the club also saw notable departures, including Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho.
Sancho’s exit, in particular, caught attention after his earlier fallout with Ten Hag. Although the two appeared to reconcile, leading to Sancho’s participation in pre-season and the Community Shield, the winger ultimately moved to Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy. Ashworth explained that the decision was mutual, driven by Sancho’s desire for a fresh start.
“We felt we had enough depth in that position,” Ashworth explained. “With four strong wide players in the squad, Jadon became the fifth, and it made sense for both him and the club to explore other opportunities. He wanted to explore the opportunity at Chelsea, just as Scott wanted to explore Napoli and Aaron Wan-Bissaka wanted to consider West Ham. We’re not forcing anyone out, but if a move makes sense for the player and the club, we consider it.”
As Manchester United navigates the early challenges of the season, the club’s leadership remains committed to Erik ten Hag, confident that he can steer the team toward success.
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