I CANNOT picture a scenario where Erik ten Hag is Manchester United manager next season — and you know what, I think he would secretly agree.
He has spent a lot of money on players that haven’t worked and as a result United are falling further and further behind their main rivals.
So, there is a part of me that actually respects what he is doing right now in his press conferences with the media — fighting back.
He is putting on his gladiator armour, swinging his sword and taking some arrows to the chest trying to shield his stars like a protective dad.
It is him against the world — and perhaps with one eye on his next job — he wants to make it clear the problems at United do not just stop with him.
But in doing so, with personal pride kicked around, he’s losing control.
He has banned newspapers and outlets on several occasions. How is that a good thing? Tell me one positive that comes from that? It doesn’t make sense.
I remember Sir Alex Ferguson using that tactic but he had won a lot and was a powerful figure in the game, not someone who has only just come to the Premier League.
Is Ten Hag really sitting there and saying, “You’re all saying nasty things about me, so you’re banned?"
He spoke at length after the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry about how harshly treated United were, calling the reports “embarrassing”.
But you are Man United and you were 3-0 up against a Coventry team who haven’t made the play-offs this year — and you nearly lost it. How can it be reported in any other way? If you haven’t played well, just admit it, own it and move on.
And you know how to take back control? Play well and win games.
I know a few United fans who now just don’t believe a word Ten Hag says.
It has all the hallmarks of a boss digging
Read on m.allfootballapp.com