“My job no longer safe” — Erik ten Hag

New season, same Manchester United, same pressure for manager Erik ten Hag.

After suffering two back-to-back defeats in the start to the new premier league season, the Dutch manager is setting the records straight following the return from the international break; ‘I have to win games or else I lose my job’.

It is a narrative that has so far stayed consistent with Erik ten Hag who finds the pressure piling on him again despite starting the season on a somewhat promising term with the narrow defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield. Ahead of facing Southampton, the former Ajax boss is eager to return to winning ways and safe himself from further negative narratives the media have began peddling.

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It is no secret that newly-appointed CEO Omar Berrada publicly backed Erik ten Hag not long ago, but the statement is more of a political narrative that holds no waters for the INEOS group should subsequent results soil their investment in Manchester United.

And of course, judging by the Dutchman’s pre-match presser, Erik ten Hag is no fool to not read between the lines to know the board’s support can only go so far in football.

Speaking to his ‘proverbial’ nemesis—the English media ahead of their crucial clash with Southampton, the Manchester United coach admitted:

“In football, you have to win, you have to deliver.”