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Ten Hag Retains Manchester United's Support Despite Defeat to Liverpool
Ten Hag Retains Manchester United's Support Despite Pressure Following Liverpool Defeat
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag continues to have the backing of senior figures at Old Trafford, as the club remains committed to achieving the sustained success it desires.
Despite enduring a challenging season last year, finishing eighth—the club's worst since 1990—Ten Hag's position was secured following an FA Cup final victory against Manchester City. However, the Dutchman finds himself under pressure again after a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, which left United in 14th place in the Premier League with just three points from their first three matches.
With an upcoming match against Southampton on 14 September after the international break, a loss could mark United's worst start since the 1986-87 season, when they secured only one point from their first four games—a run that led to the dismissal of Ron Atkinson and the appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson.
For now, Ten Hag enjoys the support of the new football structure established by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Speaking ahead of the Liverpool match, both chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth expressed confidence in Ten Hag's ability to lead the team, despite neither being part of the post-season review that confirmed his continuation as manager.
"It was a decision made before our arrivals, but we fully support it," Berrada stated. "Erik has our complete backing, and we believe he is the right coach for us. We’ve worked closely with him during this transfer window and will continue to do so to help achieve the best results for the team."
Ashworth, who previously supported managers at Brighton and Newcastle, emphasized that it is common for a sporting director to work with a pre-existing manager. "It’s rare to step into a role where there isn’t already a manager in place," Ashworth said. "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Erik these past eight weeks, and my role is to support him in every possible way to bring success to Manchester United."
In his initial weeks at United, Ashworth focused on the transfer window, completing 32 deals, including key signings, sales, and new contracts. One of the most notable exits was Jadon Sancho, who moved to Chelsea on a deal that included a future obligation to buy. Ashworth felt this was the best outcome for both parties, given United's depth in wide positions.
Addressing the transfer strategy, Berrada noted, "You need to make the right decisions consistently over time to build a team capable of competing for major trophies. We don’t just want to win one Premier League title; we want to consistently compete for the Champions League and domestic cups."
Ashworth added, "Sometimes you have to make tough decisions to keep the squad balanced and motivated. The new Europa League format is demanding, and we need to ensure we have enough depth without overcrowding the squad."
As Manchester United looks ahead, both Berrada and Ashworth remain focused on building a sustainable and successful future under Ten Hag’s leadership.