Ten Hag insists he and Manchester United hierarchy on same page as pressure mounts

Erik ten Hag insists he and the Manchester United hierarchy are “on the same page” after his side recorded the club’s worst ever Premier League start with a draw against Aston Villa.

United were held to a goalless stalemate at Villa Park on Sunday, a result that also means Ten Hag’s side are now without a win in five matches in all competitions, and without a goal in three league games.

Harry Maguire and Ezri Konsa both had to be replaced through injury in a largely drab contest that saw United captain Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar in one of the game’s few moments of quality.

The result leaves Ten Hag’s future still very much in the balance as United look to turn their season around.

However, when asked whether he would be speaking to the club’s hierarchy after the game, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “We always speak. Every week we speak.

“So we are all on board, together, on one page. We know where we are working to.

“It’s a long-term project and we have to keep on improving the process.”

“We know we have a lack of goals at the moment, it’s not a good start” 🗣️

Erik ten Hag reacts to Man United’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa 🔴 pic.twitter.com/iQzq4ZoayA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024

On the pitch, Ten Hag acknowledged his side’s lack of ruthlessness in the final third, but the United boss was buoyed by a sturdy defensive showing.

“We know at this moment we have a lack of goals, and from that perspective it is not a good start,” said Ten Hag.

“It is an area we have to improve. But we know have four clean sheets [this season] which is good.”

Speaking after the match, Player of the Match Jonny Evans admitted that the willingness to keep a clean sheet was evidence the players are still behind the manager.

“It was great for him [Ten Hag] to see that,” said Evans.

“The other night [against Porto] you could see the emotion of letting that game slip away.

“So to go out there and put in a performance for him, you could see that everyone was running themselves into the ground.

“I’m pleased for him he got a half-decent result out of it.”

“It’s a privilege to play for this club” 🙌

Jonny Evans says the pressure that comes with playing for Manchester United is a privilege 🔴 pic.twitter.com/8yN4loqXXc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024

Veteran defender Evans added about his own affinity with United: “It’s a privilege to play for this club. I’ve had a long affiliation with the club.

“There’s a pressure that comes with it and it’s a part of the privilege, too.”