A dejected Erik ten Hag does not believe Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle will be his last game in the dugout at Old Trafford.
The 54-year-old’s future has been the subject of widespread speculation as things took a dramatic turn after a promising first season.
After Wednesday night’s victory, amid a chorus of boos, the Dutchman defiantly strode onto the pitch and took up the microphone to address those who stayed to applaud the players’ traditional honours.
“As you know,” he began, “this has not been an easy season, but one thing remains constant – your support for the team.
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Watch highlights from the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United
“But the season is not over yet. We will go to Brighton to win three points and then go to Wembley. I guarantee you that the players will do everything they can to lift a trophy for Old Trafford.”
Indeed, Ten Hag still needs to play United’s final Premier League game, away to Brighton, before facing Manchester City in next weekend’s FA Cup final – two chances in the hunt for the European title.
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Eric ten Hag refused to comment on whether he will remain as Manchester United manager next season after United’s 3-2 defeat at Newcastle United
They remain eighth in the league and will need to improve on Newcastle’s finish in their final game to secure a Europa League spot, or Europa League berth, if they beat Manchester City at Wembley.
“I don’t talk about pride – we are all disappointed with the season – but we can still win something and we have to work hard for it,” Ten Hag told sky sports.
“I see the positives. I see this team developing. I know the reasons why we’re not performing well. No team is going to perform well when four defenders are out all season.”
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Marcus Rashford was seen arguing with a fan ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League match against Newcastle
“We had problems throughout the season which had a negative impact on the results.
“But in the long term you see the performance of the players, you see the improvement of the players, as young people, which is very positive.
“This club has a lot of potential. We all know it. People can see it.”
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag dismissed questions about the fragility of his stance, saying last week that he believed “common sense” would prevail as the club’s decision-makers consider his future.
Ten witches insist Fernandes loves Manchester United
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Sky Sports Football panel explains why Manchester United must build around Bruno Fernandes rather than sell him this summer
ten witches say Bruno Fernandez Although the Portuguese gave a mysterious pitchside interview, he enjoys playing at Manchester United and values ​​his contribution to the team.
Fernandes told after Manchester United’s win over Newcastle sky sports“I feel like the club wants me to be part of the future, so, as I’ve always said, I don’t want to be a player that the club doesn’t want.
“If for some reason they don’t want me, I’ll leave, but if they want me, I’ll stay.”
Ten Witches was later seen dragging Fernandez away from the interview.
Fernandes has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford but has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia this summer.
At the post-match press conference, Ten Hag said: “No, the club absolutely wants to keep Bruno. I think there is no doubt about it.”
“I have to watch the interview, but as far as I know he likes Manchester United.
“He always gave his best. He was a role model, even when he was injured. He loved football, but he wanted to win.”
