Erik ten Hag says he respects criticism of his Manchester United side (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
is willing to listen to constructive criticism as he prepares for their upcoming clash against at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils boss, who has faced scrutiny following a series of lacklustre performances, including a disappointing 1-1 draw with FC Twente and a goalless match at Crystal Palace, remains unfazed by the increasing pressure.
Ten Hag said: “First of all, respect the criticism. When you are in the job, you have to deal with this, but I can’t take every criticism into account.
“I don’t read, of course, all the criticism. It’s not even possible but I don’t want even to know. I need to know some, and some are very good advice.”
“But for me it’s stay clinical and see where the team is, which areas we have to improve. Stay also methodical, that you guide the team in the right pathway and make sure you make the right steps to get the best out of the team.”
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Manchester United have not won a title since Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out in 2013 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Despite the challenges, Ten Hag remains calm and collected, often reminding everyone that United are undergoing a period of transition with the ultimate goal of regaining their elite status.
United haven’t won the since Sir Alex Ferguson’s triumphant exit in 2013 but have set their sights on a title win by their 150th anniversary in 2028, according to chief executive Omar Berrada.
INEOS, known for their ambitious approach, are doubling down on nurturing young talent, with their summer signings all aged between 18 and 26.
Ten Hag added: “That is the choices we have made the last two seasons. But those are the choices we have made and it also has something to do with financials and with other restrictions we have to deal with.
“We made the choice for young players and the young players are not at the level immediately. You can’t expect them to be.
Omar Berrada has targeted a Premier League title by 2028 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“We have to improve them, they have to improve themselves and we have to find a team that can be successful on a consistent basis.
“This team in the last two years showed they can do it on occasions and on occasions we can win trophies, but now we have to get more consistent.”
When asked when this United team will start to be judged, Ten Hag responded: “I think we will be judged every game and that’s normal.
“Everyone, for every game, is expecting United to be winning. We know that. That’s not a secret for anyone.
“When you are at this club you have to deal with this factor and we do. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old or whatever.”
Ten Hag has emphasised the need for patience with his young United squad, acknowledging the high expectations surrounding them. “We have to cope with this and get the best out of it and match the expectations that everyone has,” he said.
United are hoping to invigorate their campaign after collecting just seven points from five games (Nick Potts/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“We are going in a good direction, I think, in the last couple of weeks on many aspects of football. Now it’s about being more efficient and scoring more goals because that will win you games.”
Despite the call for time, there’s an acute awareness that Champions League qualification cannot be missed again.
When questioned if securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition is the bare minimum to show progress under INEOS, Ten Hag responded: “It’s never spoken of how you ask me the question now.
He firmly believes in the club’s need for success and silverware: “But what I think is we have to succeed, and we have to win trophies. That’s what this club stands for.
“This club has the ambition to play on the highest platform and we want to achieve the Champions League. That’s clear. We have two routes one is the and the other one is the Europa League.”