Ten Hag acknowledges advisers warned him against taking ‘Impossible’ Manchester United job

Manchester, England: In a revealing interview, Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, disclosed that he was warned against taking up the managerial position at the iconic club, with critics deeming it an “impossible” job.

The 53-year-old Dutchman, who joined Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022, has faced mounting pressure during his second season at the helm, as the team currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, trailing nine points behind leaders Arsenal and encountering challenges in European competitions.

Speaking candidly to the United We Stand fanzine, Ten Hag acknowledged the scepticism surrounding his appointment, stating, “Everyone was telling me, ‘You can’t succeed in that job.’ They said it was impossible. Me? I wanted the challenge. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was a great club with a great fanbase.”

Expressing his affinity for clubs with solid and passionate followings, Ten Hag drew parallels between Manchester United and his previous club, Ajax, emphasizing the unique nature of the fanbase that either loves or opposes the Red Devils.

Despite the initial doubts, Ten Hag significantly impacted his debut season, ending Manchester United’s six-year trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup in February. The team also secured a commendable third-place finish in the league.

However, the current season has presented its share of challenges, with six defeats in 15 league games and a precarious position at the bottom of their Champions League group. The upcoming match against Bayern Munich stands as a critical moment for the club in European competition.

The article underscores Ten Hag’s resilience and determination to confront the challenges head-on, showcasing his commitment to steering Manchester United back to the summit of English and European football.

The manager’s affinity for the passionate fanbase and his willingness to embrace the difficulties of the job highlight the character that Ten Hag brings to the storied club.

As the team strives to regain its former glory, the interview with Ten Hag offers a glimpse into the mindset of a manager who is undeterred by skepticism, viewing the daunting task at Manchester United as an opportunity rather than an insurmountable obstacle.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members