Erik ten Hag delivers defiant message to Manchester United supporters

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Erik ten Hag has sent a defiant message about his Manchester United future after picking up a vital win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Dutchman was coming under increasing scrutiny with The Times reporting he was ‘on thin ice’ with the powers that be at Old Trafford.

A 91st minute winner from Bruno Fernandes against Fulham has eased the pressure on Erik ten Hag somewhat but nevertheless, the start to the season has not been what the fans had wanted.

However, there are some reasons for positivity with the club on the same amount of points as last season at the same stage with Sir Jim Ratcliffe closing in on his minority stake in the club, too.

Ten Hag’s defiant message

The 53-year-old was presented with an award in recognition of the club ending a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and nearly won another trophy but lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

“I’m sure we are in the right direction and I’m happy to be here and to get this reward. I’m really grateful to the football writers for this award,” Ten Hag said via the Manchester Evening News.

“What we achieved last year with the Carabao Cup, it was small, and we achieved an FA Cup final, which still hurts, but it’s not enough, but many managers and many players know, it’s not so often you win many trophies.

“But once you win such a trophy, you have to celebrate it because it’s a very special moment that is not given to so many. So we did that, and we are still really pleased with it, but it’s not enough at Manchester United. We have higher targets and we have to go and get there.”

United’s siege mentality

Oftentimes, especially at United, when a manager’s back is against the wall with results going against them, it seems only a matter of time before he is dismissed.

However, there was an air of defiance from the Dutchman and the United fanbase often come together with a sort of siege mentality during times like these, which is not seen at many other clubs.

If United can put together a few good results, then who knows what will happen over the next few months but one thing is clear, Ten Hag isn’t giving up without a fight.