Manchester United’s manager, Erik Ten Hag, is set to take part in a lap of honor at Old Trafford after their final home game against Newcastle. Despite a challenging Premier League campaign, Ten Hag insists it’s not a farewell gesture.
“I’m not seeing it as goodbye. It’s not the way I will start a lap of honor for the fans,” he said.
Manchester United has faced significant struggles this season, with 14 Premier League losses—their highest ever—with two games remaining. Additionally, they are on track to finish with a negative goal difference for the first time since 1989-90. However, Ten Hag remains confident in his ability to turn things around and expresses gratitude for the support of both fans and players.
“Through good times and bad, we are together, and the fans show it. So we will do a lap of honor,” he stated.
Manchester United’s Season Woes
Despite the challenges, Manchester United still hopes to secure European qualification. A victory against Newcastle or a successful FA Cup campaign could see them secure a spot in Europe next season.
“In stadiums, away and home, fans always back the team and me. When I’m also in the street, many come to me—maybe it is just polite, but I don’t feel this. I almost never get a negative reaction as fans realize this club is in transition,” Ten Hag remarked.
Defender Lisandro Martinez is set to return for United, boosting the squad as they prepare for their final league game against Brighton and the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. Ten Hag hopes to gradually integrate Martinez into the team to start him in Sunday’s fixture against Brighton.
Aiming for Improvement
Despite the disappointment of their league campaign, Ten Hag remains focused on improvement. He believes that Manchester United can return to their winning ways with the right adjustments and reinforcements.
“There has been no public message of support from new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe for Ten Hag. But the Dutchman said: ‘In stadiums, away and home, fans always back the team and me. When I’m also in the street, many come to me—maybe it is just polite, but I don’t feel this. I almost never get a negative reaction as fans realize this club is in a transition,’” the manager reiterated.
Ten Hag’s determination to rebuild the team and restore its former glory is evident. Despite his challenges, he remains committed to the club’s long-term success.
Looking Ahead
As United approaches the end of the season, there is a sense of anticipation and optimism for what lies ahead. While this season may not have gone as planned, there is hope for a brighter future under Ten Hag’s leadership.
With the fans’ support and the players’ determination, United looks forward to regaining their competitive edge and challenging for top honors once again. As they prepare to bid farewell to their home fans for the season, there is a sense of unity and determination within the club—a belief that better days are ahead.
Ten Hag’s lap of honor at Old Trafford is not a farewell but a symbol of the club’s resilience and determination to overcome adversity. With the support of the fans and the manager’s vision, Manchester United looks forward to a brighter future on the horizon.
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