Source: mirror
Tuesday 5 December 2023 16:31:30
Erik ten Hag insists his Manchester United players are right behind him amid claims the Dutchman is facing a dressing-room revolt.
Ten Hag spoke to fewer journalists than usual after United banned Mirror Football and three other outlets from attending Tuesday's press conference. The ban was imposed after Mirror Football exclusively revealed the manager is losing the support of his stars.
Several members of United's squad are believed to be disillusioned with Ten Hag's management. Mirror Football's exclusive story follows the team's 1-0 loss against Newcastle at St James' Park last Saturday, their 10th defeat in all competitions this season. A spokesperson for United claimed the club have "taken action against several media organisations, not for publishing stories we don't like, but for doing so without first contacting us to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise".
Ten Hag added: "They should come to us first and not go around our back, printing articles that's not the right thing. I think we have another relationship and they should give that to us beforehand and we have a normal and professional discussion and debate about it."
When quizzed about the revolt, Ten Hag said: "Oh yes, I am sure, you can see for instance the comeback against Brentford, the Burnley game, the Fulham game, every time the team is there, showed great character, great determination, resilience so we are together.
"You can see you can’t play such great football as we did recently without unity... There are always players who aren't playing who are less happy. But there are no issues. If the players have a different opinion, I will listen. But they haven’t told me - maybe one or two."
United are seventh in the Premier League table, having scored the same amount of goals as relegation candidates Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. They are also out of the Carabao Cup and bottom of their Champions League group with one game remaining.
Despite United's worrying form, Ten Hag claims there are no issues within the dressing room. He added: "Not in the dressing room. Of course there are a lot of rumours but it is not that we get distracted by it. We are on a journey, a route.
"We know we are in transition but we are in the right direction, we construct a team, develop it, the team is progressing, young players coming in and you see the potential how they can contribute to a successful Manchester United team for the future."