Ten Hag Remains ‘Very Positive’ About the Future Despite ‘Disappointing Season’

Despite a season filled with challenges for Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag has maintained an optimistic outlook, recognizing the potential within his squad and understanding the factors contributing to their struggles.

The promise of Manchester United was evident in Wednesday’s thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory over Newcastle United. Three of the team’s youngest and least experienced players—Kobbie Mainoo (19), Amad Diallo (21), and Rasmus Hojlund (21)—were on the scoresheet.

“I see the positives, I see that this team is developing, I know the reasons why we are not performing,” Ten Hag stated. “No team will perform well when the entire back four is unavailable due to injuries throughout the season.

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“Even our striker, Rasmus Hojlund, has been injured three times, and Marcus Rashford has also been sidelined. We’ve faced numerous problems across the season, which have negatively impacted our results.

“(But) you see players performing and progressing, especially the youngsters, and that is very positive. There is high potential in this club. So, while there are many positives this season, I can’t emphasize them enough. You know why—at the end of the day, we have to win trophies. In the Premier League and the Champions League, we haven’t met expectations.”

Ten Hag’s squad remained eighth in the table after Wednesday’s win but are level on 57 points with seventh-placed Newcastle, vying for a European spot next season.

The victory at Old Trafford in their final home game felt like a reward for fans who have endured one of the most challenging home campaigns in the club’s history. Ten Hag addressed the supporters, whom he called the “best in the world,” after the final whistle.

“We wanted to thank them for sticking with us through difficult times,” he told Sky Sports. “We are in a transition at this club, and the results are not what we expect. We also have our reasons, but it’s still a disappointing season.

“I am very pleased with Wednesday’s win. In the past months, we had many games where we were in winning positions but couldn’t secure the victory.”

If Ten Hag’s team wins the FA Cup final against holders Manchester City on May 25th, they will secure a spot in the Europa League next season. However, if City wins, United will need to finish seventh to secure a place in the Europa Conference League.

Manchester United, who have never finished lower than seventh in the Premier League, play at Brighton on Sunday. They need to better Newcastle’s result at Brentford on the same day to move up to seventh place.