Manchester United, Erik ten Hag claimed, remain just that. The Dutchman rebuffed reports he has lost the dressing room – or about half its members, anyway – by insisting he retains his players’ backing, by rationalising that the proof is in the performances.
“Everyone is giving their best, there is unity as a team,” Ten Hag said. “You can’t play such great football as we did lately if there is no unity.” And yet the supporting evidence hinted at the cracks in his argument. Ten Hag sought to reassert his authority and looked for solace in his past. That has given him strength and credibility.
