Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has praised Erik ten Hag while also agreeing on one of Manchester United’s biggest problems this season.
Since arriving in England, Roberto De Zerbi and Erik ten Hag have faced off three times in which the Italian’s Seagulls have gotten the better of Manchester United twice, both times in the league.
Ten Hag has one victory to his name of course, that FA Cup semi-final shoot-out from 2023. But the Dutchman is yet to overcome Brighton in a regular game format.
But this weekend, he’s got the chance to change that against a wildly out-of-form Brighton side who have the risk of dropping to 12th with defeat against the Red Devils.
However before a ball has been kicked, De Zerbi has been speaking about his counterpart.
Roberto De Zerbi on Erik ten Hag
De Zerbi was speaking to the media on Friday ahead of his side welcoming United to the Amex on Sunday, as quoted by BBC Sport.
In doing so, he made a stunning admission on Ten Hag and also agreed on the huge problems United have faced this season.
“They have suffered a lot of injuries, and problems, but they are still a very good team.
“Erik Ten Hag’s Ajax team has been one of the best in quality of play.
“For United this season it’s been tough playing without a lot of important players.”
From his comments, it seems De Zerbi is seeing the same thing that Ten Hag has and also the likes of Gary Neville who has backed the Dutchman in recent weeks.
Ten Hag deserves one more year at Manchester United
Despite what has been a horrific season, the circumstances haven’t exactly made things easy for Ten Hag.
From an unprecedented amount of injuries to the takeover saga, he’s had a hectic year to contend with.
Most importantly, he isn’t the first to fail under Glazer family rule, and now there is a proper footballing structure with Ineos in place at Old Trafford he deserves another chance.
At least the start of next season and the summer to see if he can get United playing beautiful football.
The options to replace him are slim at best and the connection he has with United’s youngest players who also happen to be our best is simply too good to turn our backs on.
Let’s hope he proves everyone wrong if he’s allowed to remain in charge.