Manchester United players still have faith in Erik ten Hag despite horror start to season

There is little danger of Manchester United’s players turning on manager Erik ten Hag after a horror start to the season with the Dutchman still retaining the faith of the squad.

After yet another humbling loss, this time in the Champions League at home to Galatasaray, pressure is starting to mount on Ten Hag after recording the worst start to a season since Sir Alex Ferguson replaced Ron Atkinson 37 years ago.

United are yet to collect a single point in the Champions League and have just nine from seven matches in the Premier League, while they were booed off against Galatasaray.

Ten Hag Still Has Support of Players and Board

Despite the question marks that are beginning to surface over Ten Hag’s management of the team, United’s board are still fully backing the Dutchman – and that extends to the dressing room too.

According to the Daily Mail, the players are still supporting their manager and his powerbase within the squad is ‘undiminished’.

There is recognition that the team have been severely hampered by a seemingly never-ending injury crisis and the players fully expect Ten Hag to turn things around.

The former Ajax boss still has plenty of credit in the bank from an encouraging first season – in which the side won the Carabao Cup – and he is well-liked by the players.

Ten Hag’s Exile of Sancho Generally Received Favourably

Although his exile of Jadon Sancho has come at an unfortunate time given their horde of injuries, the decision to reprimand the winger has generally been received favourably.

The current mood around Carrington is described as bullish, with the squad eager to bounce back with a victory against Brentford on Saturday before they can enjoy the respite – and reset – of the international break.

Ten Hag has continued to defend his players in the press while he played down the boos from supporters following the Galatasaray defeat.

Ten Hag Understands Fans’ Frustrations

Asked if he can understand fans’ frustrations, Ten Hag replied: ‘Yes I can understand. They can expect, I am responsible for this team, for the performance, for the result – together with my squad.

‘In this moment we don’t get the results and they are then disappointed, I can understand that. Yeah, we have to do better. But, as I said, I have seen a team with a great spirit. And also, a team that was backed by the crowd from the start until the end.’

Conclusion

Ten Hag still has plenty of support from his players and board despite a difficult start to the season. The former Ajax boss has plenty of credit in the bank from an encouraging first season and his exile of Jadon Sancho has generally been received favourably. The current mood around Carrington is described as bullish, with the squad eager to bounce back with a victory against Brentford on Saturday before they can enjoy the respite – and reset – of the international break.

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