By Ian Whittel
Erik ten Hag claims Manchester United are in a better position than they were 12 months ago, despite the club closing in on their worst league campaign in 34 years.
United are currently sitting eighth, on course for their worst finish since coming 13th in 1989-90, when victory in the FA Cup Final saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job. Defeat at Brighton on Sunday would also leave United with their lowest points total – 57 – since they recorded 48 in that campaign.
Ten Hag, who could still match Ferguson’s achievements by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City next weekend, has been hampered by a long and debilitating injury list. Those factors have led him to claim that, with several young players impressing over this season and with a new owner in situ in the form of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he feels United are in a healthier state than 12 months ago.
“When you look at the results, you would say ‘no’, but we know the reasons behind it,” said Ten Hag. “I would say ‘yes’ because we have more players, we have more high-quality players in the squad and from that perspective we are in a better position.
“I think that we developed some young players with high potential who can really add to the quality levels of our squad. With established, experienced players, they can make a very good mix and be a very strong squad that can compete at the highest level.
“I think that is also what we showed this season against top teams that often we are very competitive.”
Ten Hag’s claims will raise eyebrows, if only for the fact that last season saw United win the League Cup, qualify for the Champions League and lose in the FA Cup final to Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners.
Marcus Rashford, who scored a personal-high 30 goals for United last season, is one of a number of United stars to have suffered a precipitous drop in form this season. He was involved in an angry exchange of words with a supporter before Wednesday’s win over Newcastle, although Ten Hag played down the altercation and warned that players have to ignore such isolated cases of abuse.
“No,” said ten Hag when asked if he had addressed Wednesday’s incident with Rashford. “Not in the specifics.
“But I talk often with the players about this. It happens and you have to deal with it as a player and so one person is not representative for many. So, only one. You have to deal with that – don’t react, don’t respond. Take it and move on with it.
“There were 68,000 fans (against Newcastle) so positive; a great vibe. And so it’s fantastic to play for this club and Marcus knows that.”