Erik ten Hag: Manchester United boss has no regrets about taking job

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he has never regretted taking the job despite the club’s current problems.

The Ten Hag still have a year left on their contract but are under immense pressure after a run of terrible results, culminating in the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

United have dropped to eighth in the Premier League, outside the European places, with speculation growing new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be tempted to make a change.

“I don’t regret being here for one second,” Ten Hag said.

“This is a huge club. You don’t know the challenges you have to face until you’re in it. But I wanted this challenge.”

Ten Hag won the EFL Cup in his first season, ending United’s six-year trophy drought. They also reached the final of the FA Cup and finished third in the Premier League.

The former Ajax boss says that was an “over-achievement” and that this season’s struggles are largely down to a terrible run of injuries which has seen the Ten Hag repeatedly change pairings defensive centers and deprived him of an orthodox left. -back for almost the entire campaign.

Ten Hag’s critics say that is no excuse for recent performances which have seen United win just once, excluding extra-time and penalties, in their last nine games.

Reports emerged in the wake of the Palace debacle that United’s players had stopped supporting the 54-year-old – a suggestion Ten Hag rejects.

“There’s a great team spirit,” he said. “In almost every match they fought.

“Not on Monday (at Palace), that’s why I was so disappointed. But in all the other games they fought. I can have no doubt about that.”

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Sunday as Mikel Arteta’s side look to reclaim top spot from Manchester City.

Despite winning just one of their last 16 Premier League visits to the Theater of Dreams, Arsenal are heavy favorites to win this weekend.

Arteta, however, is not underestimating Ten Hag’s side and says the Dutchman should be given more time at the club.

“I can only talk about what I think about him as a coach. He is an excellent coach. I admire his teams, both Ajax and United,” Arteta replied when asked about Ten Hag’s position.

“Hopefully he’ll get time because we’re mates and we know how tough it is in this league and what the margins are – hopefully that’s the case because I think he’s an excellent coach.”

The Spaniard added that he has “great respect” for Ten Hag and says he understands what the former Ajax manager is trying to do at United.