Erik ten Hag told Roy Keane that “he had trouble managing a team” as he referenced his spell in the dugout. Ten Hag has bemoaned the state of his squad for much of the season whilst pundits and experts have been particularly scathing about him and his team on occasions. Keane though joked that he and his team should take no notice of the outside noise, before they embarked on an interesting exchange. He said: “You must be proud of them, we’ve always questioned players about their quality at Man United, but character and leadership.

The following year he was then able to keep them in the top flight, finishing 15th before he was sacked in his third season with the Black Cats in the bottom three. He’s since had a spell at Ipswich, but was axed after a poor run of form. Ten Hag meanwhile celebrated FA Cup success amid continued reports that he could be sacked by the United hierarchy. A defiant Ten Hag though insists he wants to remain, but will go elsewhere and win honors if the club deem him surplus to requirements.

He said: “I’m in the project and we’re exactly where we want to be. We’re constructing a team. When I took over, it was a mess at United. The team is developing and winning trophies, and playing to an identity, but you need the players to be available.

If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else and win trophies because that’s what I’ve done my whole career.” *Join our new WhatsApp community* *and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

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