ERIK TEN HAG admits he is under pressure – despite a fresh vote of confidence from Manchester United’s top brass.
The Dutch boss saved his job by winning the FA Cup in May and was given a new deal.
But defeat at Southampton today would mean United losing three Premier League games in a row for the first time since 2015.
Asked about support from upstairs, Ten Hag said: “In football you have to win, you have to deliver, that’s clear. As I’ve said, I have delivered here.
“It’s good the new leadership acknowledge this and says this, we are working together to be more successful.
“We have higher targets than we’ve already achieved.”
United finished eighth last term and started this season with two defeats from their first three, including a 3-0 walloping by Liverpool two weeks ago.
But new chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Dan Ashworth backed Ten Hag during the international break.
Berrada said: “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely,
“We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”
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But even the international break has not given Ten Hag a chance to get out the limelight.
He has had a miserable week off, with Teddy Sheringham saying he will be axed by Christmas and Cristiano Ronaldo firing shots at him.
New signing Matthijs de Ligt was at fault for several goals conceded by Holland in their two games.
And the club were unable to shift Antony amid late loan interest from Turkey.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag insists United are in a transition period.
New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made big changes behind-the-scenes, while five new players have been brought during the summer.
Ten Hag, 54, added: “It’s not only to do with me, nobody can deny in these last eight or nine months a lot has happened to this club.
“A new leadership team, new structure and ownership structure. It’s a huge turnaround I would say.”
Ten Hag is also dealing with huge injury problems, with Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund out.
But left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, is back in training after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
He said: “We want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.
“He’s working very hard and making big steps.”
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
