Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag fires back at Mourinho after transfer jab

Erik ten Hag has fired back at Jose Mourinho’s recent remarks, dismissing claims by the Portuguese coach that he lacked support during his tenure at Manchester United, Soccernet.football reports

Mourinho, who once held sway at Old Trafford, suggested he didn’t receive the same level of support during his tenure as Ten Hag enjoys now.

During his stint from May 2016 to December 2018, Mourinho steered United, bagging the Europa League title along the way.

On the other hand, Ten Hag, who took charge in 2022, secured a commendable third-place finish in the Premier League and led the team to the FA Cup final in 2023, clinching the EFL Cup in his debut season.

This season, however, has been a challenging one for the Red Devils, set to miss out on a top-four finish and consequently, UEFA Champions League football next season.

Despite this, United find themselves in the FA Cup final, where they will clash with their arch-rivals, Manchester City.

With the possibility of a trophyless season looming over United and Ten Hag, Mourinho seized the moment to take a swipe at the Dutch manager, insinuating that Ten Hag has enjoyed more transfer market backing than he did during his tenure.

Yet, Ten Hag promptly fired back, asserting that Mourinho was the sole manager post-Sir Alex Ferguson era to secure the players he desired.

“Apart from Mourinho, the manager didn’t get the players they wanted, and that is what you need,” Ten Hag told ESPN Brasil.

“I am confident we will achieve our goals, but it is a tough competition. It is not a two-horse race anymore.

“There are seven, eight [teams in the Premier League] who all go for the title, who all have very good squads. So if you want to go to the title, you have to construct that squad.”

“You need outstanding players,” Ten Hag emphasized. “Otherwise, you are in a process, and you have to be patient. That is where we are now. We went for players who have high potentials, and we have to develop them, as individuals and as a team. But you need patience with the process.”

Despite his efforts, Ten Hag’s future at United remains uncertain after a disappointing second season.

While he has a year left on his contract, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to offer formal assurances regarding his managerial role beyond the summer.