Arteta’s ‘wonderful’ Ten Hag remark highlights dilemma for Man Utd chiefs
Mikel Arteta insists Erik ten Hag deserves more time to get things right at Manchester United.
The Arsenal manager’s vocal support for the under-fire Dutchman comes ahead of the North Londoners’ must-win clash at Old Trafford this afternoon (Sunday, May 12). There are fears another humiliating reverse for Ten Hag’s hosts, who are an astonishing 29 points behind the title-chasing Gunners, will spell the end for the ex-Ajax coach.
But Arteta, who always enjoyed unwavering support from the Emirates board during turbulent times, reckons Ten Hag warrants the same show of faith from United’s new football hierarchy. The Spaniard, bidding to end the Gunners’ 20-year Premier League title drought, said: “I can only talk about what I think about him as a coach.
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“He’s an excellent coach. I admire his teams – both Ajax and United. Hopefully, he gets the time because we are colleagues and we know how difficult it is in this league and what the margins are. I hope that’s the case.”
One of the major criticisms levelled at Ten Hag is that after almost two seasons at the helm – and the best part of £300million spent – United have yet to develop any clear identity in playing style.
Do you agree with Mikel Arteta? Is Erik ten Hag an excellent coach? Let us know in the comment section below
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Throw in the fact they have been hammered in a number of games this season, including last week’s shocking 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace, and the United boss appears on borrowed time.
Yet Arteta, whose side are two points adrift of Man City with two games to go disagrees there is no obvious pattern to Ten Hag’s outfit. He added: “I know what he’s trying to do. I know how he does it.
“I know how difficult it is to prepare against him. So I have huge respect for him.”
