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Editor of United We Stand Andy Mitten is usually the voice of reason when it comes to Manchester United. The respected journalist says Erik ten Hag “has had to put up with a lot” since joining the club and should be given six months under the new ownership to try and steer the team in the right direction.
People are quick to forget that Ten Hag’s team overachieved last season. Following Monday night’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, we have seen people call for the manager’s head across social media. The away end at Selhurst Park during the week stayed behind to rally behind a team that had failed to pick up three points on the road yet again.
Since then there have been serious doubts over the Dutchman’s position at Old Trafford and whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe will replace him at the end of the season.
Fans were happy to see that Sky Sports had asked Mitten on to reflect on the mood around United. He says it how it is without the crap attached – see Rants, Flex and Goldbridge for more (well, don’t actually) – and manages to give a fair reflection of bleak times.
"I rate Ten Hag as a manager, it's a very complicated job"
Andy Mitten says fans are tired of "continual changing" and focus has changed to the Glazer ownership
pic.twitter.com/G9O9auk72R
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 7, 2024
Mitten also appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast. He believes “there are a couple of factors that are benefiting him” and keeping Ten Hag in his role.
“People can see the injuries are a reason for him struggling so much,” Mitten said, as quoted by BBC Sport. “There is also not a will for change because we have had so many.
“The club can not go through history changing the manager every two years in the hope they will be better.
“The fans have been patient, especially at matches, and very supportive. Fans have absolute doubts over his position and it is a totally legitimate question to pose whether he is the right man for the job.
“But he has had to put up with a lot. The ownership issued dragged on longer than initially thought. Pressure affects a manager too. Maybe Ineos will put more faces forward to answer the club questions because it is basically just Ten Hag and his players at the moment.
“Some people say get rid now, some at the end of the season. I am more open to seeing how things go under the new structure and see where we are in six months. If it is still not working at that point then they have a decision to make.
“He is a good coach. He is not naturally charismatic but he wants to do the job and see it out.
“It is a complex situation but at the moment the mood is on the floor.”
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