Erik ten Hag makes Man Utd admission that could cost him his job

05 April 2024 , 13:38

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Erik ten Hag makes Man Utd admission that could cost him his job

Erik ten Hag has admitted it is going to be "difficult" for Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League this season - a fact that could cost him his job.

United were beaten 4-3 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, despite leading until the tenth minute of stoppage time. The Blues went 2-0 up through Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer before the Red Devils drew the game level.

Alejandro Garnacho netted first for United before Bruno Fernandes made it two. The Argentine youngster then put the away side in the driving seat, but another Palmer penalty and late strike in stoppage time saw Chelsea take all three points.

A minimum requirement for Ten Hag is to qualify for the Champions League this season, but the defeat leaves United in sixth - 11 points behind Aston Villa in fourth - with only eight games to go.

"In this week we have dropped five points in stoppage time and that is very expensive," Ten Hag said, following Man United's dramatic defeat at Stamford Bridge.

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"The points are getting more expensive because the games are running out, we know that. We have to catch up and we are many points behind so it will be difficult but we will keep fighting and I'm sure you've seen our team has character. They showed [against Chelsea] they are resilient and I'm sure they will go on Sunday and fight against Liverpool."

The Dutchman is under increasing pressure to finish this season strongly, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considering the manager's role beyond this season.

Erik ten Hag knows finishing in the top four is going to be difficult (Getty Images)

But Ten Hag is trying to remain optimistic, despite a thought challenge in the form of Liverpool next time out. "First I have to deal with this, but I will say we can't deal with this for long, we have to recover very quickly and turn this around," said the United boss.

"From Friday on I will be in a positive mood, we have to be looking forward and take energy. You can take a lot of energy from being angry and that is how we have to do it."

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Jake Polden