Sir Alex Ferguson’s stance on under-fire Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emerged after the Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Ten Hag has had to contend with an injury-plagued squad and a mixed set of results this season, with the Dutchman under growing pressure over United’s run of form.
The 53-year-old United boss could breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday after Bruno Fernandes’ stunning injury-time winner sealed an important three points for his side.
The Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League table — level on points with seventh-place Brighton — and are only six points adrift from the top four.
United’s victory over Fulham slightly eased the pressure on Ten Hag, who watched his side suffer back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle.
Ferguson supports Ten Hag
Ferguson, who last led United to a Premier League title in 2013, is believed to be “impressed” with former Ajax manager Ten Hag and his stance on “big decisions.”
According to The Sun, the 81-year-old legendary Scotsman doesn’t agree with those who are ‘pointing the finger’ at Ten Hag and calling for a new manager to arrive.
An unnamed source told the newspaper: “Erik has Sir Alex’s unwavering support. He’s been hugely supportive of Erik since he arrived at the club.
“He’s impressed at the job he is doing and, in particular, the way he has taken on big decisions.
“Sir Alex, like everyone else, wishes results were better this season.
“But he thinks those pointing at the manager and calling for a change are wrong.
“[Ferguson] thinks he’s shown the kind of character and mentality required to turn the club around — and he firmly believes Erik deserves time, like he got, to make a success of things at the club.
“If consulted, that’s a position he would be prepared to make clear to any new investors who come into the football club.”
Ten Hag must weather the storm
Ten Hag received a much-needed momentum lift after the Fulham win, following on from a controversial VAR call that ruled out a Scott McTominay opener for United.
But the United head coach isn’t out of the woods yet and the Red Devils face another crucial fixture on Wednesday in the Champions League.
The Red Devils secured an important three points against FC Copenhagen last month at Old Trafford thanks to Andre Onana’s penalty heroics.
United will travel to Denmark for their clash with FC Copenhagen and another three points would be vital in handing the club a fighting chance in the Champions League.
Ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League tie, Ten Hag’s men are third in Group A and are one point behind second-place Galatasaray and six points off Bayern Munich.
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