Erik: I’m a fighter

Thursday 02 November 2023 08:00

Erik ten Hag declared himself a ‘fighter’ in the aftermath of our Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle United.

The Dutchman led the Reds to a Carabao Cup crown last season, but saw our defence of the trophy come to an end at Old Trafford with a 3-0 reverse to Eddie Howe's side.

Having suffered five defeats from our opening 10 matches of the season on home soil, Ten Hag was asked whether he has any doubts over his own confidence in turning the Reds' fortunes around.

Erik's post-match press conference Video

Erik's post-match press conference

Find out what Ten Hag said to the media following our elimination from the Carabao Cup...

"I’m a fighter, and I know it’s not always going up," Ten Hag stressed, addressing the media in his post-match press conference.

"We have [had] a lot of setbacks this season so far, but also then you have to deal with it, and that is never an excuse.

"When there are setbacks, when the routines in the way of play are not similar, not the same, but even then you have to get the results in. Obviously, Sunday [and] tonight, [were] far from [our standards].

"We have to do things right and at a certain level, at a minimum level, to win games."

The manager understands that questions will be asked of him amid our challenging run, but remains determined to overcome this difficult patch.

Ten Hag: We must stick together Video

Ten Hag: We must stick together

Erik says standing shoulder by shoulder is the only way for United to come through our recent spell...

"I understand that when the results are not there, that this is also a logical process that they question [the manager]," he continued.

"But I’m confident I can do it. At all my clubs I have done it, and also last year I did it here as well. But in this moment, we are in a bad place.

"I take responsibility for it, I see it as a challenge. I’m a fighter and I’m in a fight and I have to make sure that I share responsibility with my players, and that we stick together and fight together and get better results."

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