The manager of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, has criticised and referred to himself as “deluded” for statements made after the team’s loss in the derby
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been informed he is “deluded” after making comments following Sunday’s derby defeat.
The Red Devils travelled to the Etihad to face local rivals and defending champions Manchester City, and despite taking the lead, they were left with nothing when Pep Guardiola’s team won 3-1. A Phil Foden brace and a late Erling Haaland score were enough to make Marcus Rashford’s wondergoal meaningless in the end.
City dominated the game, with 27 shots on goal to United’s three and the majority of possession. Despite this, Ten Hag showered praise on his team at full-time, stating they could have won if it hadn’t been for the “small margins” and claiming the Red Devils defended “brilliantly”.
Former Chelsea player and noted pundit Chris Sutton has responded emphatically to Ten Hag’s post-match argument. On the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, he stated, “Erik ten Hag is deluded.” I believe Man United have come full circle under him.
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“His first Manchester derby, they lost 6-3, and I predicted a cricket score that day, which I repeated yesterday. Man City are so far ahead of Manchester United, but my biggest concern – and I understand managers have to put a positive gloss on things – is hearing Ten Hag say things like, “We are progressing, that was a good performance.”
“If I were a Manchester United fan, I would really question what the manager is saying and how the squad is playing. The reality is, I don’t think anyone sees Erik ten Hag’s future at United after this season.”
If the match on Sunday wasn’t enough to demonstrate the vast difference in talent between the two clubs, the league table isn’t looking good for United. City is four places ahead of them, with an 18-point lead and a considerably stronger goal differential.
Chris Sutton has torn into Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. (Image: BT Sport).
While Guardiola’s side aims for their sixth title in seven seasons, United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League are dwindling by the week. Ten Hag’s men are sixth in the table, 11 points behind Aston Villa, who presently hold the much-coveted fourth slot.
United’s schedule is also not particularly favourable. Between now until the conclusion of the season, Ten Hag must face fellow ‘big six’ teams Liverpool and Arsenal at home, as well as a difficult trip to west London to face faltering Chelsea.
