May 25, 2024, 3:25 p.m. ET
Erik ten Hag sent a message to United’s leaders and defended his work by stating that he has the team where he wants.
Erik ten Hag has targeted the owners of Manchester United saying that if they don’t want him as their coach, will win trophies for another club.
Ten Hag celebrated his second title with the Old Trafford team thanks to the United’s surprise 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final this Saturday.
The Dutchman said he still doesn’t know if he will remain a coach next season, but insisted he will continue winning trophies, whether at United or elsewhere.
“Two trophies in two years is not bad“Three finals in two years is not bad,” said Ten Hag at the press conference after Saturday’s game.
“If they don’t want me, then I’ll go somewhere else to win trophies because that’s what I do.”
Ten Hag’s future is in doubt after a disappointing eighth place finish in the Premier League.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has refused to offer his public backing, with sources revealing to ESPN that club bosses have sounded out potential candidates including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank.
Ten Hag, however, insisted he has Ratcliffe’s support and his Ineos team, led by sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford.
“That’s what they always tell me,” he said. “How many times do I have to tell you? Every time it’s the same question. Do I have to repeat myself 10, 15, 20 times?”
“They don’t have to tell me every week if they tell me that often. I’ve heard it so many times.”
Ten Hag was also asked if he felt undermined by United holding informal talks with representatives of potential replacements.
“I don’t know if they have done this, I can’t answer this question,” he replied. “I don’t know. Maybe you have sources. I don’t.
“I am in a project and we are exactly where we want to be, we are building a team for the future. When I took over we were a disaster. The team is developing, the team is winning and the team plays with identity, but you need the players are available and a strong team, especially when you play in England and Europe.
“There is a lot of work to do, but we have value in the team and a lot of potential. The team is progressing and we are winning trophies.”
