LOS ANGELES, California — Erik ten Hag has challenged Manchester United's new owners to “prove” they have his back by sticking with him through tough periods next season.
Ten Hag has retained his job despite finishing eighth in the Premier League last season and the club's new leadership team, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, are sounding out possible replacements.
The Dutchman has extended his contract for another year but some fans believe his position remains precarious, especially if United do not start the season well.
However, Ten Hag said Ratcliffe and Brailsford can only show they support him by keeping their faith through good and bad spells of form.
“I feel like we're building something and the people around me are in the same boat,” Ten Hag said in an extensive interview in Los Angeles during the club's preseason tour.
“But of course it's always a proven point when it comes to this case. What I hope is that we avoid this.” [a dip in form].”
Ten Hag is building a team around a core of young players that includes Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund.
United's biggest signing of the summer is 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro and Ten Hag said the owners would have to be patient.
“With young players there will be ups and downs and we have to be aware of that,” he said.
“Everyone has to realise this in this club internally, but you too… [the media] We should notice this externally. It is normal that this does not happen. [up] with young people, especially young players.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has also revealed that Tyrell Malacia will be out for another two months. The left-back has not played for over a year due to a knee injury and was left out of the squad for the tour.
“It hasn't come that far, but it's already in a state of progress,” Ten Hag said.
“He will be able to train with the team again in a relatively short period of time and then play in matches. I think that will be possible in two months.”
