Erik ten Hag insists he has the backing of his Manchester United bosses – but he will only know for certain when the team hit a rough patch.
Ten Hag kept his job after winning the FA Cup in May and holding summit talks on holiday in Ibiza with officials from co-owners Ineos who had interviewed a number of potential replacements behind his back.
The United manager believes he is now ‘in the same boat’ as United director Sir Dave Brailsford and technical director Jason Wilcox,who have since been joined on the leadership team by chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
But Ten Hag knows that support could be put to the test again if United struggle at any point this season.
‘I feel that we are building something and that the people around me,we are in the same boat,’ he said,‘But,of course,it's always a proven point when the case is there,but what I hope is that we avoid this.
Transfer plans have not changed despite injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro,he said
‘He should fight for it,but we are not robots. We are dealing with human beings. And everyone,you are not always on your best.
‘He is capable of being that impactful player. If he is doing it,then for our team he’s such an important player because goals obviously make a difference. I expect him to be that player in this season.’
On the wider issue of any indiscipline within his squad,Ten Hag added: ‘I think when you want to play in top football nowadays,you need discipline on and off the pitch. It was always important,but it gets more and more important now because it's the survival of the fittest.
‘You are not a robot,you are not a machine. No-one is. You can only deliver the levels of performance when you do the things right. When you don't do the things right on and off the pitch,then you can't perform.’
Ten Hag dismissed suggestions that a long-term injury to new £59million defender Leny Yoro and a six-week lay-off for striker Rasmus Hojlund could affect the rest of his transfer plans this summer in terms of players coming in or going out.
United have already signed Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5m and registered their interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Branthwaite.
‘No,this will not change anything,’ he said. ‘We have a plan and we stick to the plan.’
Jadon SanchoFA CupErik ten HagPremier League
