Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has conducted a sit-down interview with Sky Sports.
Erik ten Hag spoke to Gary Neville for a half-hour chat to discuss his two-year spell at Manchester United, which he hopes will continue for a lot longer.
One of the headline takeaways from the interview was Ten Hag explaining how he pushed to try and sign Frenkie de Jong and Harry Kane.
He also talked about his discussions with Ineos, insisting he is working closely with the new investors behind the scenes as they take control of football operations.
Key lines from Ten Hag interview
Erik ten Hag spoke out to back Rasmus Hojlund, saying he likes what he sees from the Denmark international so far.
He told Sky Sports: “I think Rasmus will get there, but he needs time. It’s not fair to assess him the same as Harry Kane. I would never compare two players because they are very different.
“But with Hojlund, I think we had the biggest potential in the striker position last summer and we are very happy with him.”
Ten Hag also commented on Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho: “They are players who are very young and are already internationals for England and Argentina. They are at a quite good level and one of the best players in this moment in their nations and they are world-class nations.”
He also spoke about injuries hurting his plans, which have had knock-on effects for his preferred playing style.
He said: “We’ve now played 47 games and we had 30 combinations in the back four. They weren’t from choices you make, they were forced choices because the players were injured… anyone with even a little bit of knowledge about football, they will know it will have a huge impact.
“Then Casemiro was injured for a long period. We had so many issues in the team that you can’t always play the way you want to play.
“But the fans want to see a successful team, a team that’s winning. What we always try to do, and it’s a compliment to the team, in every game, they went for it and they had a spirit.”
Manchester United fans verdict
Erik ten Hag spoke a lot of sense during his interview, speaking confidently and admitting he has been forced to make compromises this season. He also sounded very in-tune with Ineos, and committed to the club going forward, providing they still want him.
One fan wrote on X: “It’s looking more and more likely that Ten Hag will be our manager next season.
“Very impressed with his interview in what he had to say, if we have a good transfer window and our injury situation improves I think we’ll have a good season. Change takes time.”
Another added: “Ten Hag in the interview shows AGAIN how smart and considered and calm he is: impressive.”
Another fan added: “That Gary Nev interview with Ten Hag has got me back on side again.”
“Saw the Ten Hag interview with Gary Neville. He’s staying. Big summer window incoming,” wrote another.
“Love that Erik Ten Hag interview, the last few weeks have been wavy on him – but I back him until I see him with proper management and squad overhaul,” added another supporter.
More comments included: “It’s a very good interview by Ten Hag. Puts things in perspective,” and “Ten Hag. Smart interview.”
Now all the manager needs is a few good results on the pitch. Manchester United end the season facing Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton.
Then we have the FA Cup final against Manchester City. It’s a tough run, but a potentially rewarding one if Ten Hag can end the season with a trophy.
