Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing mounting pressure following Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, which saw the club drop to 14th in the Premier League standings. Despite this, key figures at Old Trafford have reaffirmed their support for Ten Hag, stressing a long-term outlook over immediate results.
Uncertainty and continued support
After a tumultuous season in which Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League – its worst performance since 1990 – Ten Hag’s position was thought to be uncertain. However, recent support from the club’s senior hierarchy, including the new football structures put in place by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has bolstered the Dutchman’s role.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, who recently joined the club, have both voiced their continued support for Ten Hag. Despite not being part of the decision to retain Ten Hag until the summer, Berrada and Ashworth have expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team.
“It was a decision made before we arrived, but we stand by Eric completely,” Berrada said. “We think he is the right coach for us and we will work closely with him to ensure we get the best results.”
Ashworth, who previously oversaw operations at Brighton and Newcastle, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s not uncommon for sporting directors to join clubs where managers are already in place,” Ashworth said. “My role is to support Eric in every aspect – whether it’s operational, recruitment or otherwise – to ensure he can focus on strategy and match preparation.”
Transfer window and squad management
Much of Ashworth’s early tenure was spent in a busy transfer window. The club completed around 32 deals, including signings, sales and contract renewals. Notably, captain Bruno Fernandes received a new contract, which was seen as crucial to the team’s strategy.
One of the most talked-about departures was Jadon Sancho’s move to Chelsea, which will see United paying part of his wages until the deal becomes permanent next year. Ashworth defended the decision, saying it is in the best interests of both the player and the club.
“We’re not just moving players out,” Ashworth explained. “When there is a priority to move players and it aligns with our goals, we explore those opportunities. With Jadon, we were confident in our depth and we made a strategic decision.”
Measuring success and planning for the future
Both Berrada and Ashworth believe building a successful team is a long-term project. The recent defeat against Liverpool has intensified calls for quick change, but the club’s leadership is committed to a comprehensive approach.
“It’s difficult to put an exact timeline on achieving sustained success,” Berrada said. “Consistent performance comes from having the right coach, players and structure. Our goal is to build a team capable of competing regularly in the Champions League and domestic competitions.”
“Mistakes will be made and not every decision will be perfect. But our focus is on making the right choices consistently over time. We are committed to learning from our experiences and constantly improving,” Ashworth added.
Strategic decisions on player sales
The approach to player sales has evolved, with a greater emphasis on structured contracts that provide both immediate and long-term value. The club has introduced higher sell-on clauses and buy-back options to safeguard future interests.
Both Berrada and Ashworth highlighted the importance of balancing squad depth and player motivation. Ashworth stressed the need for bold decisions to avoid a bloated squad that could cause problems both on and off the field.
“The schedule is demanding with the new Europa League format,” Ashworth said. “We need sufficient depth to handle the fixture list while keeping the players motivated. At the same time, we must manage finances and ensure team stability.”
Conclusion: Meeting challenges with confidence
As Manchester United goes through this challenging period, the club’s leadership is focused on building a solid foundation for future success. Despite the immediate setbacks and pressure on Ten Hag, the support of Berrada and Ashworth reflects a commitment to the long-term strategy.
Ten Hag’s ability to deliver results will remain under continued scrutiny, but the club’s support and strategic plan offer a ray of hope for Manchester United’s journey back to the summit of English and European football.