Despite it being a forgettable season for Manchester United, coach Erik ten Hag said he maintained a positive outlook almost throughout because he sees the potential of his squad and understands the reasons behind their struggles. Manchester United’s potential was evident in Wednesday’s victory over Newcastle United (3-2) in the Premier League, with three of the team’s youngest and least experienced players – Kobbie Mainoo (19), Amad Diallo (21), and Rasmus Hojlund (21) – scoring.
“I see the positives, I see that this team is evolving, I know the reasons why we’re not performing well,” said Ten Hag. “No team will have a good performance if the entire defense (which is injured) is not available throughout the season.”
“Even forward Rasmus Hojlund, three times injured, (Marcus) Rashford also injured, we’ve had our problems throughout the season and that has a negative impact on the results,” he continued.
“But we see players performing and progressing, like the youngsters, and that’s very positive because there’s great potential in this club. So, there are also many positive aspects to this season, but I can’t mention it. You know why – at the end of the day, we have to win trophies. And in the Premier League and the Champions League, we didn’t have the performance people expected from us,” he concluded.
With Wednesday’s win, Ten Hag’s men remained in eighth place on the table but tied on 57 points with seventh-placed Newcastle in the fight for a spot in next season’s European competitions.
The victory at Old Trafford in the last home game was a reward for the fans who endured one of the club’s worst home campaigns in history, and Ten Hag addressed the fans whom he called the “best in the world” after the final whistle.
“We wanted to thank them for sticking with us, we’re going through tough times,” he told Sky Sports. “We’re in a transition phase at this club and the results are not what we expected. We also have our reasons, but it’s still a disappointing season.”
If Ten Hag’s men win the FA Cup final on May 25 against champions Manchester City, they will play in the Europa League next season. However, if City wins, United will need to finish seventh to secure a spot in the Conference League.
Manchester United, who have never finished below seventh place in the Premier League, play in Brighton on Sunday.