“STOP THE BLAME, AM NOT THE PROBLEM AT MANCHESTER UNITED”, “I coach the play what the like-ERIG TEN HAG Has issued warning to Manchester United fans after chants that he should be sacked
following Manchester United fans began jeering following the 1-1 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag implored them to be patient.
Old Trafford’s resistance was evident when Ten Hag chose, midway through the second half and with the score still equal, to replace Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund with Scott McTominay and Amad. Boos also praised the moves to replace Hojlund earlier in the season against Manchester City and Brighton.
Antony’s goal 11 minutes from time seemed to rescue United’s blushes, but Andre Onana’s error led in a late penalty, which Zeki Amdouni converted, and the home fans jeered as the final whistle sounded.
Ten Hag justified his double switch, claiming that while he assembles his United squad, he must be patient in order to protect his young players from the fatigue that has already set in.
Even if they are fans, Ten Hag said, “I have to lead the team and win games first. You know, by then, we need some freshness as well as technical talent to bring in a guy who can retain the ball and be creative.”
It was the right choice since the midfield game was fierce and up and down. Rasmus and Kobbie, both fairly young athletes, displayed indications of weariness. Because Scott is so good in open situations and can make some penetrations from there, you may benefit from bringing in fresh legs.
“This week we have three games. Burnley had days off, so it makes perfect sense to replace young players in their debut season in the Premier League in such a high-pressure game. This season has seen Rasmus Hojlund experience additional injuries, while Kobbie has had two significant ones. As a consequence, I take steps to protect them from danger.
“I understand that fans want to see these players’ abilities since they are key parts of the group. I understand that, but I needed to get my job done, and that was the best option.”
Ten Hag singled out Hojlund, Mainoo, and Alejandro Garnacho as examples of his team’s youth and inexperience, and he pleaded with the team’s supporters and owners to be patient as he continues to rebuild the squad.
We are rebuilding this squad since we have so many young players. “It takes time,” he said. “We bring in new players like Hojlund, Mainoo, and Garnacho, who are all in their first seasons in the Premier League, and it becomes more competitive every year. Intense compared to the previous season.
“It takes time for these sportsmen to adjust. Although I’m impatient, patience is essential for both us and the supporters since we’re building a group and need experience.
“When you begin to feel fatigued, you must keep your concentration throughout. This season, we had additional time—seven, eight, nine, or ten more minutes in a game—to sustain our energy. They must transcend that obstacle, which they can only learn via experience.”
Ten Hag also replied to critics who compared his United club to some of the best teams in history, highlighting the early to mid-2000s clubs that were rebuilding under Sir Alex Ferguson.
It’s really incorrect. In 2004 and 2005, the great Manchester United teams were also developing; they didn’t play very well, but it takes time,” he remarked.
“Everyone forgets that even the players on that team had challenges and needed time to improve.”